Low Blood Glucose

• Like many low-carbohydrate diets, the CKD eliminates glucose from the body by severely restricting most forms of carbohydrates. The Epilepsy Foundation states that because the body only retains about a day's worth of glucose and the CKD usually begins with a fast, complete glucose depletion occurs within the first 24 hours of the diet. According to Epilepsy Ontario, the low carbohydrate intake on a CKD could cause hypoglycemia--low blood glucose--during its first days of use.
  
  

Treatment and Ketosis

• Most pediatric patients begin this diet in a medical facility and remain under strict medical supervision for its duration. The CKD begins with a fast so that the body can use its stores of glucose completely and switch to burning fat for fuel. Once the switch occurs, the body releases fat-burning byproducts called ketones and remains in a state called ketosis while following a CKD. The number of ketones produced by the body directly correlates to the successful control of epileptic seizures; more ketones equals more success. Additionally, many patients remain on anti-seizure medication, although doses can differ after starting a CKD.
  
  

Side Effects

• The low blood glucose levels when following a CKD may cause hypoglycemia, although medical monitoring during the early stages of the diet can lead to an immediate correction of this condition. Constipation, dehydration, decreased bone formation and kidney stones may also occur. Most side effects receive early treatment and do not cause long-term consequences. In addition, many children on the diet may safely return to a regular diet after a few months or years.
  
  

Nutrition

• Most calories on a CKD come from fat, with fewer calories from protein and very few calories from carbohydrates in order to keep blood glucose levels low. Maintenance of very low blood glucose levels allows the body to remain in a state of ketosis. A dietician specializing in this type of diet as a treatment for epilepsy usually provides an exact amount of fat, protein and carbohydrate ratios for each patient. Most pediatric patients also need a multivitamin because a CKD provides very limited amounts of some nutrients.
  
  

Epilepsy and the CKD

• The exact reasons why a CKD effectively reduces or completely eliminates uncontrollable seizures in some children suffering from epilepsy remains unknown. However, many doctors believe that CKD success is proportionately related to the formation of ketones. Epilepsy Ontario states that this treatment for epilepsy shows seizure improvement in up to 50 percent of those treated with this diet. Because of the complex nutritional guidelines of a CKD, the Epilepsy Foundation suggests strict adherence to the diet and does not recommend starting the diet without medical supervision.