Insulin resistance
According to Dr. Charmaine Ha Dominguez, a nutritionist and diabetes expert in Los Angeles, USA, the main cause of type 2 diabetes is not due to eating too much sugar but due to insulin resistance.
Insulin is the hormone that converts glucose (sugar) from blood into cells to provide energy. When the body is resistant to insulin, this process is ineffective, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Dominguez explains that insulin resistance is often caused by fatty acids accumulating in the liver and muscles, reducing the effectiveness of insulin receptors, leading to increased blood sugar levels.
Other factors that contribute to type 2 diabetes
Dr. Manisha Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi (India), said that even if they do not eat sweets, people with a diet high in fat or excess calories are still at risk of type 2 diabetes.
In particular, obesity, lack of exercise and genetic factors are the main factors causing insulin resistance.
Even people who are overweight, especially those with visceral fat, are at higher risk of diabetes.
Visceral fat can cause insulin to be stored in fat cells, reducing the effectiveness of insulin activity. Weight loss can help release insulin from fat cells, helping to improve blood sugar control and prevent diabetes.
Stress, lack of sleep and sedentary lifestyle
In addition, stress and lack of sleep also contribute to disorder in hormonal balance and metabolic function, causing spikes in blood sugar levels.
Dr. Jinendra Jain, consultant physician at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road (India), said that prolonged lack of sleep and stress can increase the risk of diabetes even if not consuming much sugar.
Another factor to note is age and the use of certain medications, especially steroids and anti-depressants, which can increase the risk of diabetes.
This shows that even if you do not eat too much sugar, a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged stress or medication factors can still put you at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Healthy diet and lifestyle
To prevent diabetes, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. Dr. Jinendra Jain recommends eating plenty of fresh fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils and nuts.
At the same time, it is necessary to avoid junk food, processed foods, high in oil, sugar and canned foods.
Exercising at least 45 minutes a day and managing stress through yoga and meditation are habits that help maintain health. Getting 8 hours of sleep each night is also an important factor in controlling blood sugar levels.
