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Abstract
Changes in dietary habits influence the glycemic level. Preliminary studies using
the low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) were found to be quite promising in controlling
diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to investigate the
therapeutic effects of LCKD in experimental diabetic rats following the administration
of streptozotocin (STZ).
Adult rats were divided into three groups: normal diet, LCKD, and high-carbohydrate
diet. Each group was subdivided into normal, sham, and diabetic groups. Diabetes was
induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55mg/kg). Specific diets were
given to each group of animals for a period of 8 wk and then the animals were sacrificed.
The rats were monitored daily for food and water intake, whereas body weight, urine
output, and blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. The histology of the islets
of Langerhans was studied by histochemical methods.
The results showed that LCKD was effective in bringing blood glucose level close to
normal (P<0.01). Food and water intake and urine output were increased in all groups
except the LCKD group (P<0.01). The body weight was significantly reduced in all diabetic
animals except in the LCKD group (P<0.01). Histologic studies showed significant decrease
in the islet size and number of beta cells in all the diabetic groups.
This study indicates that LCKD has a significant beneficial effect in ameliorating
the diabetic state and helping to stabilize hyperglycemia.