Could insulin resistance be the cause of fibromyalgia?
It almost seems as if there is no limit to the benefits of low-carb diets. Of course, we need to be cautious about over-interpreting the data and anecdotal reports, and we need to remain objective. But the reports keep coming.
We recently posted about reports that low-carb diets may benefit COPD and osteoarthritis. Although the evidence is mostly anecdotal, the reports suggest there may be a link. Hopefully we will have a series of anecdotes and eventually a controlled trial to confirm if that is the case. Now, thanks to a recent publication in PLOS One, it looks like we might be able add improvements in fibromyalgia to list of possible benefits.
As the authors mention in the study, fibromyalgia is a common generalized pain disorder without a clear cause and without very good treatment options. It can be a disabling condition causing sufferers to remain mostly sedentary and is frequently associated with severe depression and feelings of hopelessness.
To be fair, the study did not show that low-carb diets improve fibromyalgia. But it did show a high association between fibromyalgia and co-existent insulin resistance (measured by HbA1c which is actually not a very sensitive measurement of insulin resistance). The study then went on to show those treated with metformin, a drug that can improve insulin sensitivity, had improved fibromyalgia symptoms.
Although this data is mostly associational and does not prove cause and effect, it has to make us wonder if fibromyalgia is driven by insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. If that is proven to be true, then it would follow that a low-carb, high-fat diet may be an effective treatment.
Since we currently do not have any good treatments for fibromyalgia, should we empirically try a low-carb, high-fat diet for those searching for an answer? Most of these individuals are desperate for a glimmer of hope. It would groundbreaking if we could provide them with that glimmer. Since side effects may include weight loss, improved energy, blood pressure control, improved lipid profiles, and so much more, what’s the downside?
Stay tuned for more. Here’s hoping….
Thanks for reading,
Bret Scher, MD FACC
Earlier
US researchers explore link between sugar, insulin, keto, and cancer
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Keeping carbs below 30 seems key. Unlike all the anti-keto headlines report, it's been pretty easy to maintain. What's hard is walking up or down stairs like an agonized clothepin which is what I had been doing for two years prior to starting the keto diet.
My fasting glucose levels have always been within the range (whatever significance that may or may not have) and have never been on the high side. I've never had or needed to have my A1c tested.
I personally don't believe my FM has anything to do with insulin resistance (not to say that it could not be a contributing factor in some FM cases). But rather is likely to be caused by a systemic infection (caused by an infection at the apex of a root canaled tooth performed twice with broken dental file left in the tooth nerve canal) exasterbated by a mouth full of mercury fillings, both ultimately affecting my detox pathways and disturbing proper cellular function.
I haven't read the actual study so I could not say how much weight it carries in terms of a well executed study or trial. I'd be very interested to read the entire study.
Kathy Peso
Here is the link to Dr Scher's website. Additionally, I removed your mailing address for your privacy.
https://lowcarbcardiologist.com/your-best-health-ever-2/#.W5EFEZMzbUI
Here is our full guide to ketosis:
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/ketosis
I was a 12yr old athlete with no weight or sugar/insulin problems. Physically I was at the peak of my health, above average intelligence........insulin resistance doesn't cause Fibro but it can be a issue once you have it and the meds we are given can double your weight in a year or 2 and add many complications.
Keto will help some symptoms of Fibro and has been found the most effective eating plan for insulin resistance. I've been ill for 41yrs and can tell you keto helps more than drugs and for the love of God NEVER be convinced to take tricyclic amitriptyline, it will ruin your life like it did mine.