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
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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?
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