A majority of patients with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Specifically, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes and about 95% of the population are treated for type 2. Adults are more prevalent to type 2 diabetes compared to type 1, which is commonly diagnosed in children. In general, diabetes refers to the dysregulation of insulin and how our blood sugar increases as a result. This may occur due to insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production related to lifestyle habits or genetics. Some symptoms include thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, blurred vision, slow-wound healing, and numbness in the extremities. Diagnosis is commonly done using a blood sugar test. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery (in serve cases). Unfortunately, an increase in blood sugar can have detrimental short- and long-term effects. Many complications associated with diabetes includes heart disease, kidney damage, eye problems, and nerve damage, among others. Many researchers are investigating ways to better treat diabetes and improve health in individuals at high risk.
Scientists are turning to ketones as a solution to improve heart health and diabetic symptoms. A recent paper in the Journal of Applied Physiology, by Dr. Anthony Shepherd demonstrates how drinking ketones can improve heart health in diabetic patients. Shepherd is an Associate Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. His research focuses on novel interventions to improve metabolic and cardiovascular health. He also works on understanding chronic diseases and how to generate more robust therapies.
Shepherd and his colleagues gave diabetic patients a drink with ketone esters, which are supplements that increase ketone levels in the blood. Ketones are chemicals produced by the liver to breakdown fat. Not only does the fat deplete, but the body also uses that as an alternative energy source. This process is called ketosis and is a metabolic mechanism that specifically targets fat for energy.
Researchers monitored patients’ hearts and found that patients that drank ketone esters had improved cardiac function. The trial included 13 patients that were all given the ketone ester drink followed by a placebo drink a week later. Researchers used an ultrasound to evaluate blood vessels in the heart. They also used infrared spectroscopy, which showed blood flow throughout the blood vessels. As a result, scientists reported that 30 minutes after drinking the ketone ester, patients had better heart function at rest and while performing moderate exercise.
Shepherd and his team made a profound connection between heart function and ketone supplements. While it is a small discovery, it is a crucial step in the field of ketone and diabetes research. Researchers can now better inform patients with diabetes how to improve their heart health and quality of life. Further work needs to go into understanding the mechanism, but scientists hope this can become a routine supplement in combination with other diabetic medications to reduce symptoms. Overall, this is a critical step forward that enhances our understanding of diabetes and has the potential to improve preventative care and novel therapeutic options for patients.
Paper, Journal of Applied Physiology, Anthony Shepherd, University of Portsmouth