Type 2 diabetes has been on the rise for the past few decades, with more and more people being diagnosed each year.
A recent study from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University has found that poor diet choices are linked to over 14 million cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide. The study analyzed nutritional intake data from 1990 to 2018 in 184 nations, and found that 70% of new illnesses were connected to poor eating choices.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
A chronic condition called type 2 diabetes alters how the body metabolises sugar (glucose). It happens when the pancreas doesn’t generate enough insulin, which controls blood sugar levels, or when the body’s cells develop an immunity to insulin.
Symptoms
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop gradually and may be mild, which is why the condition often goes undiagnosed for years. Common symptoms include:
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Increased thirst and frequent urination
As blood glucose levels rise, the body attempts to remove extra sugar by urinating, which results in increased urination and dehydration.
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Fatigue
People with type 2 diabetes frequently experience fatigue or a lack of energy when their cells don’t receive enough glucose for fuel.
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Blurred vision
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High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be drawn from tissues, including the lenses of the eyes, which causes vision to become blurry.
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Slow-healing wounds
High blood sugar can harm the nerves and blood vessels, preventing healing and circulation.
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Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Over time, nerve damage from high blood sugar can cause numbness or tingling in the extremities.
Dietary Factors Contributing to Type 2 Diabetes
Three dietary factors—a lack of whole grains, an excess of refined rice and wheat, and an excessive intake of processed meat—had the most influence on the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes around the world of the study’s 11 dietary components. Overconsumption of fruit juice and underconsumption of non-starchy vegetables, nuts, or seeds had less of an effect on the development of new cases of the illness.
Type 2 Diabetes in Singapore
Type 2 diabetes affects an estimated 600,000 people in Singapore, making it a significant public health issue. Over 90% of instances of diabetes in Singapore are type 2 diabetes, which is the most prevalent kind of the disease, according to the Ministry of Health.
Similar to other regions of the world, type 2 diabetes in Singapore is frequently associated with elements like obesity, inactivity, and bad eating practises. Numerous major health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and blindness, can result from the disorder.
What will happen if Type 2 Diabetes is left untreated?
Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and blindness.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
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It’s important to remember that lifestyle elements like diet and exercise can have a big impact on how type 2 diabetes develops and is managed. Lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats are all beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of problems. Regular exercise can help control blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity.
This study demonstrates that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes can be addressed by modifying our dietary choices. We can take a step towards a healthy future by increasing our consumption of whole grains and decreasing our consumption of refined rice, wheat, and processed meat. It is time to act to improve our diets and minimise the prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
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