Diabetes is a condition characterized by too much sugar in the blood, or the body’s inability to use insulin to transform glucose into energy.
Diabetes is a global epidemic. The International Diabetes Federation publishes statistics every year, and they found that 537 million adults worldwide are now living with type 2 diabetes, and another 541 million are living with prediabetes. So, 1 billion people globally either have type 2 diabetes or are in the prediabetic stage. Diabetes is largely a lifestyle disease, and our food environment is one of the main causes. We need more regulation in the food supply to address this issue.
There are typically three types of diabetes:
- Type 1
- Type 2
- Type 3 (likely referring to gestational diabetes)
When the pancreas does not produce insulin, it is known as type 1 diabetes.
When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, it is known as type 2 diabetes.
What is gestational diabetes?
When insulin becomes less effective during pregnancy, it is referred to as gestational diabetes.
The Exact Cause of Diabetes
Excessive glucose, sugar, or carbs—especially refined carbs—are the primary causes.
Protein (amino acids) can stimulate insulin secretion, but in the absence of a rise in blood glucose, it causes only a small increase in insulin secretion. This means that while protein or amino acids can cause a small insulin response, it is not as significant as sugar. However, when blood glucose levels are elevated, the presence of excess amino acids can cause the glucose-induced secretion of insulin to double. This suggests that consuming sugar along with excess amino acids can significantly increase insulin secretion, and this combination should be avoided.
Gastrointestinal hormones
These hormones are triggered in your digestive system and can nearly double the rate of insulin secretion after an average meal. Other hormones, such as those from the autonomic nervous system, can also affect insulin levels. One such hormone is cortisol, the stress hormone. Stress can increase insulin production.
Dietary Approaches
Intermittent fasting and a ketogenic diet, with carbohydrates kept between 20 and 50 grams, can help manage blood sugar levels.
Best Foods for Diabetic Patients
- Low carbs
- Moderate protein
- High fats
You can also use apple cider vinegar and cinnamon. Acetic acid in vinegar inhibits insulin production, making insulin more sensitive and helping to normalize blood sugar. Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that is beneficial for healthy blood sugar levels and can be added to tea or coffee.
Blood sugar issues can improve when the right foods are eaten.