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Foods That Cause Diabetes

Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that occurs when the body decreases or becomes resistant to the production of insulin. Insulin is an amino acid produced by the pancreas to transition glucose, ingested into the system as sugar, into usable or stored energy. The result is consistently high blood sugar levels that over time can cause serious damage to the circulatory, cardiovascular and cognitive systems of the body. It is a common misconception that eating foods high in sugar will give you Type II diabetes, but there is no evidence of this. However, consistently poor dietary choices combined with a variety of other factors can trigger the development of the condition.

  1. Types of Diabetes

    • Two main forms of diabetes exist: Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes is a congenital autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, resulting in little-to-no insulin production. Type II diabetes is a condition that develops over time due to a variety of factors that strain insulin production, including genetic predisposition, high-calorie diets, being overweight or obese, and living a sedentary lifestyle. Individuals who are already experiencing issues with another gland in the endocrine system, such as the thyroid or hypothalamus, are also at higher risk of developing Type II diabetes.

    The Sugar Myth

    • Although many people believe sugary foods cause diabetes, the truth is that no research directly links foods high in sugar to causing the condition. Foods that are challenging for a diabetic to consume, such as sugars, carbohydrates and starches, do not in and of themselves cause diabetes. However, diets rich in these elements tend to have high caloric contents and often lead to weight gain, which can cause the condition. Thus, the foods in and of themselves cannot be considered causes for diabetes. More appropriately, they may be labeled potential causes of the disease.

    Processed Meats

    • Some research has shown that processed meats, such as bacon and hot dogs, can increase an individual's risk of developing diabetes when consistently consumed more than twice a week, as they negatively affect the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin. However, one factor to consider is that individuals who eat diets rich in processed meats lean toward other high-calorie dietary choices and increased weight, both of which are triggers for diabetes.

    Considerations

    • In many cases, even when an individual is genetically predisposed to the condition, Type II diabetes can be avoided through conscious lifestyle efforts, such as maintaining a healthy body mass index, eating a diet that is within a reasonable daily range for calories (between 1,500 and 2,500) and making an effort to engage in physical exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

    Treatment

    • In the event that Type II diabetes does develop, it is possible to send the condition into remission by taking prescribed medication, losing weight and incorporating more exercise into your daily routine. Commonly prescribed medicines include insulin injections, starch-digestion inhibitors and pancreas-stimulating compounds.

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