Influence of carbohydrate consumption on pancreatic function

The influence of carbohydrate consumption on pancreatic function proves that the beta-cells can recover if the body is starved of starches and sugars for a few months.

There is a perception, one that is false that once type 2 diabetes has set in, patients will need to take medication for life; the beta-cells in the pancreas that synthesise insulin have been permanently damaged.

Yet researchers publishing in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism have shown that a carbohydrate restricted diet greatly improves beta-cell function within three months^[1].

A marker showed a 32% improvement of beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity.

Moreover this was achieved without medication or weight loss; even more so in Americans of African descent than those from Europe. How much more could be achieved with say a 10kg body mass reduction is still uncertain. 

Mild diabetes

The research was done only on those who could safely come off all medication; hence only folk with mild diabetes were chosen for the study.

Typically patients have lost over a half of their beta-cell function by the time of diagnosis. The finding that the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test improved by 32% as compared to those continuing with a diet high in carbs but low in fat, is particularly encouraging. 

This simply confirm the finding of other researchers that by diet alone many type 2 diabetics can put their disease completely into remission by a combination of carbohydrate restriction and exercise after starchy meals.

• Food as medicine
  

Refined carbs

Because wholly unrefined carbs are so difficult to find, little attention has been given to less drastic carbohydrate-restricted diets that still forbid sugar, all purpose flour and white rice; and cold storage potatoes.

The typical keto diet allows little more than one slice of bread for starch each day. That is indeed not sustainable for many, hence the massive loss initially but all regained within a year.

If beta-cells can recover then there is hope that after an initial extreme carb restriction, many may be able to return to a diet in which low GI starches can be enjoyed in moderation.

Nevertheless a return to the chronic over-consumption of carbohydrate that got us into trouble in the first place can never be entertained. Colas, cakes and commercial bread have to go for ever.

A new way of life

It is our contention that this very low refined carb way of eating should not be looked upon as a diet. We all know that Traci Mann is quite correct; they simply don't work.

Sourdough bread

The ancient sourdough fermentation method of raising bread, releases acids that delay gastric emptying and restrict the activity of amylase that digests the starch is entirely possible. 

Add to that the use of 100% wholemeal for making the dough it is clearly possible that diabetics can enjoy small amounts of bread; especially if they follow the practice of following all meals with a short brisk walk.

That short walk after dinner at night is the most important having an influence on the dreaded "dawn effect."

Real sourdough bread made with 100pc wholemeal flour is surprisingly light and extremely flavoursome; there is no need for sugary jams and jellies or processed meat to make it palatable.

You may well find that true wholemeal flour is simply unavailable. Consider sourcing wheat directly from a farmer and purchasing an electric stone mill and grinding your own 100 percent meal. Two hundred kilogrammes per year should suffice if you desire to have fresh bread daily; start with one 50kg bag.

It has to be frozen for two weeks to kill the weevils.

New potatoes

New potatoes enjoyed within a day or two of being harvested have a high resistant starch content; much passes through the small intestine without forming glucose, instead feeding the friendly flora in the colon.

Pancreatic function

The influence of carbohydrate consumption on pancreatic function is now well established. Chronic over-consumption of starches, particularly those that are ultra processed destroys the beta cells that synthesise insulin.

But these beta-cells can recover within three months on a keto diet, very low in carb and high in fat. The "first phase response" is restored.

Fat provides the satiety so that we are not famished two hours after breakfast; much of that should be from the olive and avocado rather than animals.

Unprocessed seed oils are good but difficult to find; and today's ultra-processed baked goods are overly rich in inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids.

• Linoleic acid in sunflower and soybean oil promotes inflammation
  

Breast and prostate cancer

This return to a more natural way of eating has other benefits. There is strong research that just one helping of whole grains per day gives nearly 50% protection against the two most deadly cancers of the breast and prostate; it's all about the lignans.

• Lignans protect the prostate gland
  

Hapless victims

There is indeed hope for those who once considered themselves hapless victims of T2D. Pancreatic function can be restored but ultra-refined starches and sugar must go for ever; they can be enjoyed perhaps on "high and holy days;" Shrove Tuesday, Thanksgiving and occasional family celebrations.

The ghastly alternative

For those unwilling to give up all-purpose flour pastries, sugary treats and colas alas a ghastly alternative awaits; a lifetime of medication, increased risk of various malignant tumours and the onset of the neurodegenerative conditions. One in 9 Americans by 65 is already suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

Parkinson's Disease is reaching epidemic levels.

• Risk factors of Parkinson's disease
  

A spiritual journey

For us this has become a spiritual journey. A rediscovery that the Almighty doesn't dwell in temples, cathedrals and mosques but in the human heart. It behooves us to care for the human frame; it is in fact a religious duty.

It is complex but made simpler by returning to the food that our forebears once ate. Over 70% of the items sold in grocery stores are ultra-processed. Enjoying legumes like beans and peas is entirely possible for diabetics; they consist of resistant starch. Whole grain sourdough breads, berries and apples can be enjoyed; in moderation.

There are over 100 types of diabetes; each of us should monitor how we respond to all these different forms of carbohydrate.

• Pumpkin for diabetes
  

Small helpings of carbs to reduce the glycaemic load is key; as is exercise after all starchy meals.

You can probably get off all diabetes medication but do it under the guidance of your doctor; a continuous glucose monitor for a few weeks several times a year would be of great benefit.

Influence of carbohydrate consumption on pancreatic function

Type 2 diabetics need not despair; the influence of carbohydrate consumption on pancreatic function has been well defined. Beta-cell function can be restored.

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