Diabetes is one of the top ten causes of death in America CDC, just below Alzheimer’s disease and just above kidney inflammation – and if you think you are not at risk, consider your daily habits. Do you start every lunch break with a soda in hand? Have you been on the couch a lot this pandemic year? Read on to see what everyday habits you are putting at risk from the well-known doctors for diabetes – and to ensure your health and the health of others, these should not be missed Signs that your illness is indeed coronavirus in disguise.
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“Consuming foods and beverages (especially sodas) with high fructose corn syrup” is a # 1 bad habit, says Dr. Deena Adimoolam, a Yale trained endocrinologist specializing in diabetes, food as medicine, and metabolic health. “We know that high fructose corn syrup leads to worsening insulin resistance (and therefore higher blood sugar), which can fuel the development of type 2 diabetes.”
The Rx: “Read the nutrition labels and choose foods / beverages with no added sugar like high fructose corn syrup or better yet … drink water!” She says. “Giving up a can of Coke for lunch and dinner can lead to tremendous health benefits, including preventing sugar overload, obesity, and diabetes.” says Dr. Leo Nissola, an immunotherapy scientist and immunology researcher. “Remember that when you eat, your body looks for nutrients more than anything. Avoid sodas and drink sparkling water instead.”
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Added sugar can be hidden in everything from spaghetti sauce to many popular brands of bread. Even “healthy” fruit juice can have added sugar; Even juice without sugar is just … sugar. “It is important for the general population to understand that fruit juices are not harmless,” says Dr. Nissola. “Typically, juices sold in restaurants are canned, have an exorbitant sugar content and are filled with preservatives.”
The Rx: “Stay away from extra sugar,” says Dr. Nissola. And eat your fruits, don’t drink them.
“A certain amount of physical activity in everyday life can help lower blood sugar and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Adimoolam. “Daily activities can even help you lose weight and improve your heart health.”
The Rx: “Every physical activity is important, whether it’s a walk or a run,” she says.
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“Stress has many effects on our bodies,” says Dr. Adimoolam. “Chronic stress for months can lead to insulin resistance, which leads to higher blood sugar, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.”
The Rx: “Focus on reducing stress through meditation or exercise or music, or do an activity that you enjoy!” She says.
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“You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are not physically active and are overweight or obese,” says the NIH. “Extra weight sometimes causes insulin resistance and is common in people with type 2 diabetes. The location of body fat also makes a difference. Extra belly fat is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart and blood vessel disease.”
The Rx: “To see if your weight puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes, check these out Body Mass Index (BMI) charts. “
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Genes, genetic mutations, drugs, and other factors can play a role in the development of diabetes. “Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system, the body’s own system of fighting infection, attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas,” says the NIH. “Scientists believe that type 1 diabetes is caused by genes and environmental factors, such as viruses, that could cause the disease.” Meanwhile, “Type 2 diabetes – the most common type of diabetes – is caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle factors and genes.” Talk to a doctor if you feel at risk. To further protect your health, these are not to be missed Signs that you are developing one of the “deadliest” types of cancer.
