The Mayo Clinic explains that, Dr. Robert C. Atkins designed his commercial Atkins diet as a low-carbohydrate, high protein and fat nutritional program. There are four phases of his diet; Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance and Lifetime Maintenance. The Atkins diet claims that in the first two weeks of the diet you may lose up to 15 lbs. It suggests that you limit your carbohydrate intake to a minimal 20 g per day in the first phase of the diet. This restriction is well under the 225 g to 325 grams of carbohydrates per day recommendation by the Institute of Medicine.
Low Energy
Limiting your carbohydrate consumption to just 20 g per day may drastically lower your energy. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, states that carbohydrates, "are the most important source of energy for your body." Your digestive system converts carbohydrates into glucose, or blood sugar, and your body uses this sugar for energy. Your organs, tissues and cells rely on this energy, as well. Any excess glucose is stored in your muscles and liver until it is needed. If you decide to take on the Atkins diet, it is important to be aware of the loss of energy you may experience so you can plan your days accordingly, and not drink an excess of coffee or energy drinks so you don't consume too much caffeine.
Blood Sugar and Diabetes Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, the Atkins diet warns people with diabetes to talk with their doctors before starting the diet. When your body breaks down carbohydrates into blood sugar your pancreas releases the hormone, insulin. People with diabetes must strictly monitor their insulin and blood sugar levels, and if you vastly reduce your carbohydrate intake, your blood sugar may drop. Low blood sugar may leave you feeling light-headed, as well.
Ketosis
According to the Weight-Control Information Network, if you eat less than 130 g of carbohydrates per day, you may develop a buildup of ketones in your blood. This condition is known as ketosis, and is common among low-carbohydrate diets. Keytones build up because without a sufficient amount of carbohydrates in your body, you are not able to break down fats. If you collect a build up of ketones in your blood, your body may produce high levels of uric acid, which is a risk for kidney stones and gout.
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