Millions of people suffer from diabetes. As a result of so-called diabetes, other diseases can occur in many different organs. But is it really true that the disease can be triggered by consuming too much sugar?
“Sugar doesn’t directly cause diabetes, but it plays a role,” says diabetes consultant Sue Cotey. In an article from the Cleveland Clinic (USA), she explains the connection between sugar and diabetes and how you can reduce your sugar consumption.
Does sugar cause diabetes?
“Sugar indirectly increases the risk of developing diabetes,” says Cotey. “For example, if you eat a lot of sugar, your pancreas responds by producing more insulin because your body wants to keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. These extra calories lead to weight gain.”
Overweight/obesity (obesity) (“https://www.Tipsforwomens/krankenen/adipositas/”) is one of the risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes.
“Over time, your pancreas becomes more or less fatigued trying to keep up with the demands of keeping your blood sugar low,” explains Cotey.
Why does sugar have a bad reputation?
The assumption that all sugar is bad is widespread. For example, Cotey says people often ask her about the sugar in fruit and say that’s why they rarely eat fruit.
“We need to educate people about the other things fruits contain, like fiber and vitamins. Fiber is such an important part of our diet. And you don’t get that from meat, but only from plants,” explains the expert.
“Fiber helps slow the rise in your blood sugar. They help you feel full and they help regulate your bowels.”
Types of sugar
Sugar is considered a simple carbohydrate that causes your blood sugar levels to spike. Some foods contain natural sugar:
Fructose: This type of sugar is found in fruits.
Lactose: Dairy products contain this type of sugar.
Other foods contain added sugar. Some common names for added sugars are sucrose, corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, maltose, glucose, glucose, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, malt syrup, sugar beet, malted barley or maltodextrin.
So how do you know how much sugar is in something you want to eat? Read the food label – and pay attention to the different pseudonyms by which sugar is known.
Another pro tip? Often more than one type of sugar is listed. Even if an item may not appear to contain much added sugar, it may contain three or four different types of sugar.
What causes diabetes?
In addition to type 2 diabetes – the most common form of diabetes – there are other types of diabetes such as gestational diabetes and type 3c diabetes.
If you have too much glucose in your bloodstream, it can cause diabetes. Some causes of high glucose levels can be:
- Insulin resistance
- Autoimmune disease
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pancreatic damage
- Genetic mutations
- Long-term use of certain medications
How to prevent diabetes
Some forms of diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes, cannot be prevented, but you can reduce your risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes by doing the following:
Eat healthy: Options such as eggs, nuts, meat, fish, vegetables and fruits contain no added sugar. Drink water instead of soda or coffee full of sugar.
Focus on exercise: Being active increases your insulin sensitivity.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity not only increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, but also the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Manage your stress: Your mental health plays a role in your physical health in many ways. When you are stressed, your blood sugar levels rise and over time it can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Limit alcohol consumption: Certain alcoholic drinks, such as beer and cocktails, may contain added sugars and carbohydrates and may be high in calories. All of these factors can increase your blood sugar levels.
Get enough sleep: Sleeping less than seven hours a night can also increase your blood sugar levels.
Stop smoking: If you smoke, it can affect your insulin resistance – and that can lead to type 2 diabetes.
“The most important thing you can do is reduce the amount of high-calorie, high-sugar drinks you consume,” says Cotey. (ad)
