A Ketogenic Approach to Type 1 Diabetes | Dr. Ian Lake | The Metabolic Link Ep.60

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Jan 29, 2025

Dr. Ian Lake, an NHS physician and type 1 diabetes advocate, delves into his transformative shift to a ketogenic diet after his diagnosis at 36. He discusses how reducing insulin volumes and optimizing glucose levels radically improved his health. Ian highlights his endurance feats, running 700 miles on keto, and the benefits of metabolic flexibility. He also explores the importance of minimizing insulin for mental health and cancer implications, while sharing insights from his type 1 diabetes retreats that educate and inspire others toward low-carb living.

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ANECDOTE

Personal Diagnosis And Early Course

Ian Lake described his sudden LADA diagnosis at 36 with classic symptoms and immediate insulin start.
He recounted a two-year honeymoon and progressive complications over two decades before switching diets.

INSIGHT

Ketosis Is A Normal Fuel State

Natural ketosis and metabolic flexibility are normal and useful even for people with type 1 diabetes.
Forcing continuous high-carb intake reduces the body's ability to burn fat and ketones, costing metabolic resilience.

ADVICE

Prioritize Lowering Insulin Use

Reduce exogenous insulin volumes where safe to improve metabolic health and reduce hyperinsulinemia risks.
Aim for metabolic flexibility through low carbs, intermittent fasting, physical activity, sleep, and stress management.

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Can a ketogenic diet revolutionize the management of type 1 diabetes? In this episode of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Ian Lake, a UK-based physician and type 1 diabetes advocate, shares his personal and professional journey in using low-carb and ketogenic diets to improve metabolic control.

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 36, Dr. Lake initially followed conventional high-carb recommendations—until he discovered the power of nutritional ketosis. He breaks down how reducing insulin volumes, optimizing glucose levels, and becoming fat-adapted transformed his health and life.

From running 700 miles while following a ketogenic diet to leading type 1 diabetes retreats, Dr. Lake shares actionable insights on metabolic flexibility, insulin sensitivity, and the real-world implications of a ketogenic approach.

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