Very-Low Carbohydrate Diet
Before we Begin
Before we discuss the available treatment options, it will be useful to visit our "Causes of Type 2 Diabetes" page, as this will provide you with a more comprehensive, foundational understanding of the following treatments and more importantly, you'll be more informed on why the most effective treatments are successful, when compared with others.
You can find our "Causes of Type 2 Diabetes" page by clicking on the "Diabetes" dropdown menu, found on the toolbar, next to the "Home" tab.
Very-Low Carbohydrate Diet
What is a 'Very-Low Carbohydrate Diet'?
You can find our "Causes of Type 2 Diabetes" page by clicking on the "Diabetes" dropdown menu, found on the toolbar, next to the "Home" tab.
A low carb, low-saturated fat, but high in essential fat and protein diet. The VLCD that we will be discussing is the 'Cambridge Weight Plan' (CWP).
What is the 'Cambridge Weight Plan'?
The 'Cambridge Weight Plan' is exactly what is described as above - a VLCD diet.
It:
- Involves working with a 'Cambridge Consultant' - works with you to create an effective and sustainable plan, moving you along the steps, as is necessary (over roughly 12-16 weeks, but this can be longer).
- Involves you purchasing and consuming 'Cambridge Weight Plan products' from your 'Cambridge Consultant
- Contains all essential vitamins and minerals we require, as well as being high in protein and essential fats.
What are the '6 Stages'?
It consists of '6 Stages' that gradually increase in calories, until 'Maintenance, which is the amount of calories you need to stay at your current weight:
- Step 1 - 600 Calories
- Step 2 - 800 Calories
- Step 3 - 1000 Calories
- Step 4 - 1200 Calories
- Step 5 - 1500 Calories
- Step 6 - Maintenance
Within each stage, you will be consuming meal replacement products (Porridge, Shakes and Smoothies), snacks (Bars, Bites and Pop Squares), then in the later steps, you'll be consuming step-up meals (Pasta, Noodles, Curry, Chilli).
Very-Low Carbohydrate Diet
How Does It Work?
After reading our "About Type 2 Diabetes" page, and becoming an expert on how and why T2DM happens, you're probably thinking: "I need to get rid of the excess fat that is causing my insulin resistance, and that will help to then reduce my high-blood sugar symptom.", or something along those lines.
So how are 'Very-Low Carbohydrate Diets good at getting rid of our excess fat?
VLCDs are effective in reversing and helping to maintain remission for Type 2 Diabetics, those with Prediabetes and those who are at risk (High BMI of 30+), by switching your body’s energy systems over to using fat stores (long-term), after using up all our glycogen stores (short-term), in a process called ketosis.
Quite simply, we aren't giving the body excess carbohydrates/sugar or saturated fat to store, so it has to first use it's existing stores of carbohydrates/sugar, and once it runs out of these, it begins to use all of our stored 'fat-freezers'.
How much Weight-loss should I expect to see?
So long as the plan is adhered to, patients will usually see a 3-4kg of fat in the first week and then 2kg thereafter (roughly). So over the course of 12-16 weeks, you can expect to see anywhere from 10-20kg+ loss in weight. This is due to the existing glycogen (Short-term energy) being used, alongside the water that is used to help mobilise the use of the glycogen as energy.
Very-Low Carbohydrate Diet
What are the Benefits?
The most notable benefit is acute weight-loss i.e. losing excess weight and fat... So Reversing T2DM
Which means:
- Less of feeling lethargic or tired
- Less feeling thirsty all the time
- Less of the numbness in your feet
- Fewer trips to the bathroom during the night
- Fewer issues with your breathing
- More mobility
- Normal Blood Pressure
- Decreased risk of a heart attack
- Decreased risk of a stroke
- Decreased risk of damage to your kidneys and eyes
- Decreased risk of premature death
- No need for injected insulin
Simply put, there will be less risk of a serious health event occurring and you'll be living a happier, healthier and more active life... So why not give it a go?
Very-Low Carbohydrate Diet
What are the Drawbacks?
While there are no serious side effects of going on such a diet, you may experience some of the following symptoms initially, as your body adapts to eating less.
- Headaches (caused by dehydration, so it is very important to drink as much water as your Cambridge Consultant is advising you to drink).
- Less frequent bowel movements (due to consumption of less food)
- Minor cramps (as your body becomes accustomed to eating less)
- Bad breath (caused by ketosis - body using long-term fat stores as energy)
- Changes to your menstrual cycle
- Nausea
- Temporary hair thinning, and sometimes gallstones - you're not likely to experience this but it is important to be aware.
Again, there are no serious health risks, these symptoms are just your body adapting to the eating less and losing weight, which in the end will help reverse, and place you in remission from T2DM.
Very-Low Carbohydrate Diet
How/When can I Start?
If you are a patient at our Tilehurst Village or Chancellor House Surgeries, you can book an appointment, through reception, with our Health and Wellbeing Coach, who will be able to discuss the 'Cambridge Weight Plan' with you further and put you in contact with a 'Cambridge Consultant'.
During the 'Cambridge Weight Plan'
Your 'Cambridge Consultant' will also meet with you in-person and speak to you via multiple weekly telephone calls, to ensure you have all the support you need when on the plan.
At the same time, you'll be supported by our Health and Wellbeing Coach, and the surgery as you progress through the plan, with F2F and telephone appointments, helping track your progress through consistent measurements of your height, weight, and BMI, as well as assisting you in identifying your goals and staying on track through discussing any challenges or hurdles you are facing.
After the 'Cambridge Weight Plan'
Once you've returned to your maintenance calories and finished the plan, you will complete a blood test in-surgery be supported by our Health and Wellbeing Coach and the surgery, in ensuring you remain in remission by maintaining a healthy and stable weight.
Very-Low Carbohydrate Diet
What if I don’t have the income to pay for the Cambridge Diet?
If you are unable or do not wish to pay for the Cambridge Diet, there is an NHS Type 2 Path to Diabetes Remission programme (T2DR) with Oviva, that shares similarities with the Cambridge Diet, in that you are consuming a lower calorie diet to help with short-term weight loss. However, there are some differences between the two options.
Please click here to find out more about the NHS Type 2 Path to Diabetes Remission programme with Oviva.