What it is
A therapeutic ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat way of eating that shifts your body from burning mostly glucose to burning fat and ketones. It is more structured than popular keto plans: a clinician sets your ratios (often about 70 to 80% fat), tracks ketone levels and adjusts as you go.
It was developed in the 1920s for epilepsy and is still an established treatment for seizures that don't respond to medicine. It is also used for type 2 diabetes, weight and PCOS, and researchers are studying it for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and mental health.
What happens at a visit
- A metabolic assessment, labs and goal setting.
- Personal macronutrient targets and meal plans.
- Help with keto foods, meal prep and eating out.
- Checking ketone levels by blood, breath or urine.
- An adjustment period that can bring tiredness or headaches, often called keto flu.
- Regular check-ins and lab monitoring.
- Changes to the plan based on your results and how you feel.
Who it is for
- People with epilepsy, especially seizures that resist medicine
- People with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome
- People with PCOS
- People with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, alongside their usual care
- People with cancer exploring metabolic therapy, with their oncologist's approval
- People who want structured help with blood sugar and weight
Evidence and safety
The evidence is strongest for epilepsy, where it is an established treatment, and solid for blood sugar and weight in type 2 diabetes. Research for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer and mental health is early. If you take diabetes or blood pressure medicine, you need medical supervision because doses may need to change. It isn't right for some rare metabolic disorders, and anyone pregnant, breastfeeding or with kidney or liver disease should check with a clinician first.
How Gabriel helps
Finds
The right practitioner near youQualified practices close to you, with the exact service checked before anything is booked.
Books
The visit, start to finishOn the practice's booking page, by phone or by email. Gabriel texts you the time.
Pays
From your budget on Gabriel CareEligible care is paid up to 100% at Gabriel Network practices and up to 50% elsewhere, on Emerald, Sapphire and Onyx.
Common questions
How much does Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet cost?
Typically $200 to $400 for initial program, depending on the practice and the city.
Does Gabriel Care cover Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet?
Eligible care in a covered category is paid from your monthly budget on Emerald, Sapphire and Onyx: up to 100% at Gabriel Network practices and up to 50% elsewhere. Ask Gabriel and it checks before you book.
Can Gabriel book a visit for me?
Yes, with a free account. Tell Gabriel where you are and when you are free. Gabriel finds a qualified practitioner, books the visit and texts you the time. If a practice cannot be booked automatically, your care team takes it from there.
This page is general information, not medical advice. A licensed practitioner decides what care is right for you. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.