Hi everyone! I was recently diagnosed with Type 1.5 Diabetes (LADA) three months ago and began to consume a low-carb diet, though not necessarily keto as my daily carbs intake was around 40-50 g (on a 2500 calorie diet). Based on this diet, I’m being able to successfully manage my my blood glucose levels to non-diabetic ranges. I have been eating a lot of unsaturated fats as part of my diet and since 6 weeks, I have also added 7 squares of the Lindt 90% dark chocolate everyday (2 squares at breakfast, 3 for lunch, 2 for dinner) because it has few net carbs. When I was checking my pulse rate per min before adding the dark chocolates to my diet (but after being diagnosed with LADA & being on oral pills), it was really normal around 60-65 bpm. Then, I moved to a new city (which is when I began to incorporate dark chocolate to my diet) and didn’t check my pulse rate till this week. I definitely noticed my heart rate was beating fast for past 3-4 weeks now but really didn’t pay that much attention. Only last week, when it became worse, I went to get a blood pressure monitor and checked my bpm. It was really high at resting rate around 110-120 bpm. After reading on this forum yesterday, I found that a lot of people were experiencing the same problems when eating dark chocolate. I only stopped eating those dark chocolates since yesterday dinner (like, I ate 4 squares in total yesterday for breakfast and lunch, and then stopped). I’m still getting those fast heart rates as of right now - I just wanted to know from those who had similar experiences that how soon will the fast heart beats stop after cutting off dark chocolate? I’m currently uninsured until the end of this month so that’s why I’m a bit hesitant to go to a doctor now.
Lindt 90% Dark Chocolate Supreme & Fast heart rate
This is really interesting. First time I’ve ever heard of type 1.5, so thank you for that. I have no idea about chocolate and heart rate, so can’t help you with what you’re asking about. I will say that 7 squares a day seems like a lot to me. I wouldn’t be able to do it anyway. Even if it fit within my 20g of carbs, it’s just too much sweets for me. A large part of my being keto is to greatly reduce the sweet tasting stuff I put into my mouth so that I can get away from the addiction to it. As a result, foods that used to taste bland become sweet tasting over time yet I’m actually putting less glucose into my system. Anyway, I know it’s not what you asked but just wanted to share my experience that I am much more successful on keto when I really limit the sweet tasting stuff. (Those squares of chocolate, I might do one or two a week for example.) Good luck. Hope you get some heart rate answers soon!
Hi! I just noticed another thread posted about the dark chocolate issue but haven’t read all of it yet. I was eating a couple of squares of Sam’s club dark chocolate because it actually has a lot of fiber in it but also used real sugar. I ended up cutting it out as I have many other “treats” because they cause increased sugar cravings for me. I don’t remember noticing a racing heart though or palpitations ( which I do get sometimes but not caffeine related). It does seem a lot of people are posting about the same issue and I think Carl gave a possible solution in the other thread. It has to do with one of the ingredients.
I’m sorry I couldn’t answer your question but just wanted to welcome you and also thank you for enlightening me that there’s a type 1.5 diabetes. I had no idea and had to look this up to see what it was. It sounds scary since it is probably misdiagnosed as type 2 more than the 10% error margin they are given. Thank goodness your Dr. diagnosed you correctly to get an early start with the proper treatment!
Good luck to you and I hope keto does wonders for you!
Thank you for your words! The racing heart is possibly related to theobromine which is known to be a cardiac stimulant and is found a lot in cocoa/dark chocolate & not really caffeine. While I would say I am a bit sensitive to caffeine probably since I never used to drink a lot of coffee anyway, eating that much amount of dark chocolate per day would still make me be within the daily caffeine intake limits.
When I use the forum search function, I count at least six threads on the topic of chocolate’s raising heart rate, in addition to this one.
Chocolate contains two methylxanthine compounds, caffeine and theobromine, which have various effects, depending on the individual. Elevated heart rate and heart arrhythmia are not uncommon effects. The methylxanthines, particularly theophylline and aminophylline, can also act as bronchodilators.
If you have a pet rat in respiratory distress, a bit of dark chocolate can help until you can get the animal to a vet. (Don’t try this with your dog, since chocolate can cause liver damage in dogs.)
Pretty much! But why should the cats and the dogs get all the attention? 
(Besides, once a rat has turned its powers of cuteness on you, it’s all over, let me tell you, lol!)
Ya. I get it. It’s pretty cool how animals can come to be such good friends of ours. Still surprises me some days, the way they interact and communicate. Our cat is very much a part of the family and our daily routine. And she has such a goofy personality that it drives us to spoil her. Definitely adds fun to life. I’m glad your critter(s) have you.
Chocolate bio chemicals are cleared from humans within 24 hours if your liver is working properly.
If the heart rate remains high after no chocolate for 24 hours, then look for another cause.
It usually means getting blood tests done to try and find single or multiple results that are not optimal, and use those indicators to investigate a diagnosis.
I did this and discovered a magnesium deficiency.