Ketones Improve Heart Health in Diabetics: New Study Reveals

Exciting new research from the University of Portsmouth has shown that consuming ketones can improve heart health in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This groundbreaking study marks the first time that ketone esters—a supplement designed to induce ketosis—have been administered to people with T2D to monitor its effects on cardiac function.

Understanding Ketosis and its Impact

Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body switches from using glucose as its primary energy source to burning fats instead. This shift occurs when glucose levels are low, prompting the body to use fatty acids and, eventually, ketone bodies for energy.

A Serendipitous Discovery

The study was prompted by findings from a new diabetes drug that not only reduced blood sugar levels but also reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. To understand how this occurred, researchers focused on ketosis as a potential mechanism, given the drug’s known ability to induce this metabolic state.

Study Details and Methodology

Conducted by Dr. Maria Perissiou from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences, the trial involved 13 participants. They were given a ketone drink and then a placebo drink a week apart. Cardiovascular function was measured 30 minutes later using techniques similar to an ECG, ultrasound to assess microvascular health, and infrared spectroscopy to evaluate blood flow.

In all 13 participants, heart function显著improved after consuming the ketone drink compared to the placebo, both at rest and during moderate exercise.

Dr. Maria Perissiou, University of Portsmouth’s School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences

Dr. Perissiou expressed optimism about the results, noting that further research is necessary to understand the chronic effects of ketone consumption on heart health.

The Role of Glucose and Fatty Acids in Heart Health

Healthy individuals primarily use glucose for energy, which is a more efficient fuel source. In contrast, people with diabetes often rely on free fatty acids because their bodies are unable to efficiently utilize glucose due to insulin resistance.

Excess glucose in the bloodstream can be detrimental, acting like corrosive rust that damages blood vessels over time. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, hearts become overburdened by relying on fatty acids as an energy source, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The Potential of Ketones in Treating Cardiovascular Issues

The sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) drug, which was found to lower glucose levels and protect heart health, likely works, at least in part, by inducing ketosis. This insights suggests that ketones might offer a promising avenue for improving cardiovascular function in diabetic patients.

Conclusion and Future Directions

While the current study is a significant step forward, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact of ketone consumption on heart health. However, the results are promising and indicate a potential new approach to managing cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes.

The study’s findings have been published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, reinforcing the scientific rigor and credibility of the research.

As the research community continues to explore the benefits of ketosis, individuals with type 2 diabetes may benefit from discussing dietary interventions with their healthcare providers.