Researchers tested a high‑fat, low‑carbohydrate ketogenic diet in mice with high blood sugar. The mice ate the diet and used running wheels for exercise. After one week on the diet, their blood sugar was completely normal, as if they did not have diabetes.
Over time the diet changed the mice muscles so they used oxygen better and responded more to aerobic exercise. Compared with other diets, the mice developed more slow‑twitch fibres that help endurance. The researchers say diet might improve how people respond to exercise, but they need to test people next.
The ketogenic diet shifts the body from burning sugar to burning fat. It is controversial because it is high in fat and very low in carbohydrates, and it can be hard to follow.
Difficult words
- ketogenic — a way of eating that makes body burn fat
- carbohydrate — a nutrient found in starchy or sugary foodslow-carbohydrate, carbohydrates
- blood sugar — the amount of glucose in the blood
- fibre — muscle cells that work well for long exerciseslow-twitch fibres
- endurance — ability to keep going in long activity
- respond — to change or react after something happensresponded
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you try a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate diet? Why or why not?
- Would you take part in a study where researchers test a diet on people? Why or why not?
- What exercise do you do and do you prefer short or long activities?
Related articles
Clock disruption speeds breast cancer in models
New research finds that repeating disruption of the body’s 24-hour clock changes breast tissue, weakens immune defenses and leads to faster, more aggressive breast cancer in experimental models. The study links altered light–dark schedules to worse outcomes.
El Salvador expands AI telemedicine with DoctorSV
El Salvador has promoted AI to modernize public services and launched DoctorSV, a telemedicine app that began in 2025 and entered a second phase in April 2026. Supporters praise it, while medical workers and privacy experts raise concerns.
Cherry compounds may slow triple-negative breast cancer
Researchers at Texas A&M report that anthocyanins from dark sweet cherries slowed tumour growth and reduced metastasis in mice, and that combining them with chemotherapy helped control tumours. Further research is needed on safety and absorption.