Can Ketone Supplements Improve Heart Health in Type 2 Diabetes?

Can Drinking Ketones Really Improve Heart Health? What Experts Are Saying

The global prevalence of Type 2 diabetes has been steadily rising, with millions of people living with this chronic condition. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body develops resistance to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, potentially causing a range of health complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). With the escalating burden of diabetes and CVD, researchers are exploring innovative treatments that may help alleviate the impact of these conditions. One such potential treatment is ketone supplementation, specifically exogenous ketones, which has garnered increasing attention for its potential benefits on heart health.

In this article, we will delve into a recent study that examined the effects of ketone supplementation on heart function in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. The study's findings raise exciting possibilities for using ketones as an adjunct treatment for improving cardiovascular health in this patient population. However, experts also emphasize that more research is necessary to fully understand the long-term implications of ketone supplementation for heart health.

Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease: A Dangerous Connection

Type 2 diabetes is known to be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Chronic high blood sugar levels can lead to various complications, including damage to blood vessels, nerve dysfunction, and increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. In fact, people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to individuals without diabetes. This makes addressing the cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes a critical component of diabetes management.

Current treatment strategies for Type 2 diabetes primarily focus on lowering blood glucose levels through medication, lifestyle changes, and diet. Medications such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are commonly prescribed to help regulate blood sugar levels. Interestingly, some research has shown that SGLT2 inhibitors may not only help control blood glucose but also provide heart-protective benefits, potentially by inducing a state of ketosis, in which the body shifts from using glucose as a primary fuel source to using fat-derived ketones.

In ketosis, the liver converts fatty acids into ketones, which are then used by cells as an alternative source of energy. This process has sparked interest in the potential of exogenous ketone supplementation (i.e., ketones consumed as a supplement rather than produced by the body) as a potential treatment for heart disease, particularly in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.

The Role of Ketones in Cardiovascular Health

Exogenous ketones are primarily used as a source of energy when glucose is unavailable or in low supply. There is growing evidence suggesting that ketones, particularly beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), can offer a range of benefits beyond providing energy. Research indicates that ketones may have anti-inflammatory properties, enhance vascular function, and improve cardiac efficiency, all of which could have positive implications for individuals with cardiovascular disease or metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes.

Ketones, specifically BHB, are thought to work by providing an efficient fuel source for the heart. The heart is a high-energy organ that typically relies on glucose and fatty acids for fuel. However, in individuals with Type 2 diabetes, the heart's ability to use glucose is often compromised due to insulin resistance. Ketones provide an alternative, highly efficient energy source that may help the heart function more effectively. Additionally, ketones may reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are molecules that can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation. Reducing oxidative stress is critical in preventing further damage to the heart and blood vessels.

The Study: Ketone Monoester Supplementation and Heart Function

A recent study conducted at Portsmouth University in the United Kingdom investigated the effects of ketone supplementation on heart function in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers administered ketone monoesters (a form of exogenous ketones) to a small group of participants before they engaged in physical exercise. The goal of the study was to determine whether ketone supplementation could improve cardiac output, stroke volume, and muscle oxygenation—all of which are indicators of improved heart function.

The study enrolled 13 participants with Type 2 diabetes, including both men and women with a mean age of 66 years. The participants were given either a ketone monoester drink or a placebo drink, and neither the researchers nor the participants knew which drink they received. After consuming the drink, the participants rested for 30 minutes before performing a step-incremental cycling test. The researchers measured cardiac output, stroke volume, and muscle oxygenation using thoracic impedance cardiography, a non-invasive method of assessing heart function.

The results were promising. Participants who consumed the ketone drink demonstrated improved heart function, both at rest and during moderate-intensity exercise. Specifically, there was a significant increase in cardiac output and stroke volume after consuming the ketone drink compared to the placebo. Additionally, muscle oxygenation in the peripheral muscles was also improved, suggesting that ketones may enhance overall cardiovascular performance.

Why Ketones May Improve Heart Function

Experts believe that ketones may improve heart function for several reasons. As mentioned earlier, ketones serve as an efficient fuel source for the heart, which may enhance its performance, especially in individuals with insulin resistance. In fact, ketones generate more ATP (the primary energy currency of cells) per molecule of oxygen than glucose metabolism, which makes them a more efficient energy source. This efficiency could help the heart work more effectively, even in the presence of metabolic dysfunction.

Moreover, ketones are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit heart health. Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, and by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, ketones may help protect cardiac tissue from further damage. This is particularly important for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, who are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular complications due to the combined effects of high blood sugar and systemic inflammation.

Safety and Dosage Considerations

While the results of the study are promising, experts note that more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of ketone supplementation, especially in people with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers in the Portsmouth University study used a low dose of ketones (0.3 ml/kg of body weight), which was considered safe for the participants. However, there are potential risks associated with ketone supplementation, especially if consumed in excess.

Excessive ketone intake can lead to an overproduction of ketones in the blood (ketonemia), which could lead to side effects such as nausea, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, people with kidney problems should exercise caution when using ketone supplements, as they could exacerbate kidney issues.

What Does This Mean for People with Type 2 Diabetes?

For individuals with Type 2 diabetes, ketone supplementation could provide a new avenue for improving heart function and overall cardiovascular health. The results of this study indicate that ketones may help alleviate some of the challenges faced by individuals with diabetes, such as difficulty utilizing glucose for energy due to insulin resistance. However, experts caution that this is still an early-stage study, and more research is needed to understand the full range of benefits and risks associated with ketone supplementation for heart health.

In the meantime, individuals with Type 2 diabetes should continue to focus on established methods for managing their condition, such as proper diet, exercise, and medication. Ketone supplementation could be explored as part of a broader treatment plan, but it is important for patients to consult with their healthcare providers before incorporating new supplements into their regimen.

The Future of Ketones and Heart Health

The promising findings from this study have sparked further research into the potential benefits of ketone supplementation for heart health. Researchers are currently exploring the dose-response relationship of ketone supplementation and its effects on cardiovascular function in both healthy individuals and those with Type 2 diabetes. As additional studies are conducted, the role of ketones in improving heart health will become clearer, and it may become a viable adjunct treatment for individuals with metabolic disorders like diabetes.

In conclusion, while the evidence is still emerging, the potential for ketones to improve heart function and cardiovascular health in individuals with Type 2 diabetes is intriguing. As research continues to unfold, it may provide a new, effective tool for managing both blood sugar and heart health, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals living with this chronic condition.