Every disease has its own causes, and diabetes is no exception. There are many reasons that contribute to the occurrence of diabetes in our daily lives, and it is closely related to our daily diet and lifestyle habits. So, what are the main reasons for the high incidence of diabetes and what foods are good to eat?
Reasons for the high incidence of diabetes:
Excess fat in the body tends to concentrate in the abdomen, making people more prone to diabetes compared to those with fat concentrated in the hips and thighs. Clinical studies have found that the occurrence of diabetes is four times higher in people with moderate obesity compared to those of the same age and normal weight, while the occurrence rate in severely obese individuals is 21 times higher.
Individuals with a family history of diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes. If both parents have diabetes, the risk of their children developing the disease increases significantly compared to children of non-diabetic parents.
People who have busy work schedules and irregular eating habits are more likely to develop diabetes. Excessive study and work pressure leading to high levels of stress can result in the emergence of anxiety, so it is important for young patients to learn how to adjust their lifestyles moderately.
Hazards of diabetes complications:
1. Diabetes complications, such as diabetic nephropathy, not only pose a major threat to general health but also have a high mortality and disability rate, ranking as the third highest cause of death following cardiovascular disease and cancer.
2. Diabetic patients with high blood sugar and high blood lipids are prone to increased blood viscosity, slow blood flow, and are therefore at high risk of developing lower limb vascular diseases, the most dreadful complication being diabetic foot, which if left untreated can lead to amputation.
3. Diabetic eye complications are commonly associated with causing retinal damage. Currently, diabetes-induced retinopathy has become one of the world’s four major causes of blindness. Therefore, diabetic patients should take preventive measures to protect vascular health, maintain smooth blood flow, and prevent eye complications.
Bitter melon contains substances similar to insulin, which can lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, it contains a high amount of fiber, which can slow down the absorption of sugar in the small intestine and reduce blood sugar levels.
Recipe: Chilled Blueberry Sauce Bitter Melon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients in advance, it’s best to make the blueberry sauce yourself. Marinate fresh blueberries with sugar and simmer them over low heat to make the blueberry sauce.
2. Wash the bitter melon, slice it thinly, blanch it in boiling water for 10 seconds, quickly remove it, drain the water, let it cool, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
3. Plate the bitter melon, drizzle with the blueberry sauce (enjoy by dipping the bitter melon in the blueberry sauce for a refreshing taste of bitterness and sweetness).
Water spinach contains proteins, sugar, fats, phenols, terpenes, amino acids, and other substances. Reports suggest that purple water spinach contains insulin-like components that can be used for diabetes treatment.
Recipe: Squid Water Spinach
Instructions:
1. Remove the skin from the squid, cut it into pieces diagonally, blanch in boiling water, remove, drain, and set aside.
2. Clean and wash the water spinach, add half a teaspoon of oil in boiling water, blanch the water spinach, remove, press out excess water, and set aside.
3. Arrange the water spinach at the bottom, place the squid on top, drizzle with satay sauce, sprinkle with crushed peanuts, and enjoy.
Carrot Salad
Instructions:
1. Wash the carrots, cut them into 5 cm long thin shreds, place in a bowl, mix with 5 grams of salt; clean and wash the coriander, remove the roots, cut into 3 cm long segments.
2. Rinse the carrot shreds with water, squeeze out the water, place in a bowl, add coriander, sugar, vinegar, MSG, sesame oil, and the remaining salt, mix well, transfer to a plate, and serve.
Dietary Taboos
Actually, the dietary requirements for diabetics are simple: adjust food according to physical activity and medication to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.
Carbohydrates are the foundation of a healthy diet, and foods rich in carbohydrates generally contain other essential nutrients such as vitamins, dietary fiber, etc., so they should not be avoided. However, carbohydrates have the greatest impact on blood sugar levels, so diabetics need to keep track of their intake and choose the most nutritious carbohydrates.
