Diabetes, a disease woven from multiple factors such as genetic codes, immune system dysregulation, and viral invasion, is quietly causing the decline of pancreatic function in the human body. It may not be so frightening in itself, but the presence of diabetes is like a key opening Pandora’s box, unleashing a series of potential complications.
The enigmatic nature of diabetes, like an unsolved puzzle, with its solution hidden in the intricate genetic clues, subtle environmental factors, and daily dietary and lifestyle habits.
Genetic factors, both the cornerstone of our lives and the sword of Damocles hanging over our heads. Family medical history is like a profound imprint on the genetic map, often heralding an inevitable fate for individuals.
However, the minutiae of life are equally important. Every instance of overeating, every irresistible temptation of high-calorie delicacies, every excessive indulgence in sugar, and the long-term lack of exercise are gradually eroding our health defenses.
To ward off the invisible attack of diabetes, we must wield the sword of healthy eating and scientific lifestyle habits, while regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, as if equipping ourselves with a mirror to instantaneously observe blood sugar fluctuations, thus preventing problems before they arise.
01
Unveiling Diabetes: Understanding This Invisible Health Killer
Diabetes, a term that is alarming, is becoming increasingly common in our lives. So, what exactly is diabetes? What impact does it have on our lives?
I. Definition and Classification of Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, mainly due to insufficient insulin secretion or insulin resistance. Based on etiology and clinical features, diabetes is classified into the following four types:
1. Type 1 diabetes: Mainly caused by autoimmune factors, absolute insulin deficiency, often occurring in adolescents.
2. Type 2 diabetes: Complex causes, relative insulin deficiency, often occurring in middle-aged and elderly people.
3. Gestational diabetes: Elevated blood sugar during pregnancy, but blood sugar returns to normal after delivery.
4. Other special types of diabetes: Such as hereditary diabetes, drug-induced diabetes, etc.
II. Symptoms and Dangers of Diabetes
1. Typical symptoms of diabetes: Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss. Due to high blood sugar, glucose content in urine increases, leading to increased urine output; at the same time, loss of glucose in urine stimulates the thirst center, causing polydipsia; to replenish energy, patients tend to overeat; due to insulin resistance, fat and protein breakdown accelerates, resulting in weight loss.
2. Hazards of diabetes: Prolonged high blood sugar can damage various systems in the body, with the main risks being:
(1) Cardiovascular system: Diabetes is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, leading to conditions like coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, etc.
(2) Nervous system: Can cause peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, presenting as pain, numbness, reduced sensation, etc.
(3) Retinal changes: Prolonged high blood sugar can lead to retinal microvascular changes, potentially causing blindness when severe.
(4) Renal changes: Diabetes can lead to renal microvascular changes, resulting in renal insufficiency, uremia, etc.
(5) Infections: Diabetic patients have reduced resistance and are prone to various infections, such as skin infections, urinary tract infections, etc.
02
Is Garlic the Culprit for Diabetes? Revealing the Truth and Scientific Evidence
Diabetes is a common chronic metabolic disease, and patients need to pay special attention to their diet in daily life. There are various folk beliefs about dietary taboos for diabetes patients, with one belief suggesting that garlic is the culprit for diabetes. So, is garlic really off-limits for diabetes patients?
I. The Relationship Between Garlic and Diabetes
Garlic, as a common seasoning, has a long history in our country. It has a unique aroma and medicinal value, being known as the “antibiotic grown in the fields”. However, folk beliefs about the relationship between garlic and diabetes vary.
1. Hypoglycemic effect of garlic
Some studies indicate that garlic has a certain hypoglycemic effect. The active ingredient allicin in garlic can promote insulin secretion, increase the sensitivity of tissue cells to insulin, thereby lowering blood sugar. In addition, garlic can also improve the lipid metabolism of diabetes patients, reducing blood lipids.
2. Myth of garlic as a “culprit”
However, there is also a belief that garlic is the “culprit” for diabetes. This is because garlic has stimulating properties that might worsen the condition of diabetes patients. So, does this belief hold true?
II. Is Garlic Really the “Culprit” for Diabetes?
1. Unveiling the truth
In reality, garlic is not the “culprit” for diabetes. The active ingredients in garlic have certain benefits for diabetes patients, and as long as consumed in moderation, it will not worsen the condition. On the contrary, moderate consumption of garlic can help reduce blood sugar and improve lipid metabolism.
2. Scientific evidence
Multiple studies have shown that garlic has a positive impact on the blood sugar and blood lipids of diabetes patients. Here are some research summaries:
(1) In 2010, a study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” found that allicin significantly reduces blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
(2) In 2013, a study published in the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition” indicated that allicin can improve lipid metabolism in diabetes patients, lowering blood lipids.
(3) In 2016, a study published in the “Biomedical and Pharmacotherapy” revealed that allicin can enhance insulin sensitivity in diabetes patients, helping to lower blood sugar.
03
Control Blood Sugar, Beware! 4 Types of Foods to Eat Less, Stay Away from the Threat of Diabetes
I. High Sugar Foods
1. Sweets, Chocolates
Sweets, chocolates, and other sweet treats contain high amounts of sugar, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes after consumption. For individuals with unstable blood sugar control, excessive intake of these high-sugar foods can cause significant blood sugar fluctuations, exacerbating the condition. Therefore, diabetes patients should avoid eating them as much as possible.
2. Sugary beverages
Various sugary drinks on the market, such as cola, fruit juices, bubble tea, etc., contain large amounts of sugar and additives. Long-term excessive consumption not only raises blood sugar but also may lead to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Hence, diabetes patients should try to minimize the intake of sugary drinks.
II. High Fat Foods
1. Barbecued Foods
Barbecued foods have high fat content during the cooking process. Consuming them can lead to a surge of fat in the bloodstream, easily causing elevated blood sugar. Additionally, carcinogenic substances in barbecued foods may have adverse effects on the body. Therefore, diabetes patients should try to avoid eating barbecued foods as much as possible.
2. Fried Foods
Fried foods are rich in fats; consuming them can result in elevated blood sugar. Moreover, fried foods contain high levels of trans fats and cholesterol, which may burden the cardiovascular system. Diabetes patients should reduce the intake of fried foods.
III. High Salt Foods
1. Pickled Foods
Pickled foods like pickles, salted fish, ham, etc., contain high amounts of salt. Excessive salt intake may lead to high blood pressure, affecting blood sugar control. Diabetes patients should try to reduce the consumption of pickled foods.
2. Instant Noodles, Fast Foods
Instant noodles, fast foods contain a lot of salt and MSG during production. Prolonged consumption may cause elevated blood sugar, increasing the burden on the kidneys. Diabetes patients should try to reduce the intake of these foods.
IV. High Starch Foods
1. Rice, Noodles
Main foods such as rice, noodles have high starch content, leading to elevated blood sugar. Diabetes patients should reduce the intake of staple foods, and opt for low-sugar, high-fiber alternatives like brown rice, oats, etc.
2. Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes
Root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes have high starch and sugar content. Consuming them may lead to increased blood sugar. Diabetes patients should consume them in moderation and avoid overeating.
Conclusion:
To prevent high blood sugar, diabetes patients should try to avoid high-sugar, high-fat, high-salt, and high-starch foods. In terms of diet, it is recommended to follow these points:
1. Balanced diet: Proper combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other nutrients to meet the body’s needs.
2. Low-sugar diet: Reduce sugar intake, opt for low-sugar foods over high-sugar ones.
3. Low-fat diet: Reduce fat intake, choose light cooking methods.
4. Moderate exercise: Enhance metabolism, help control blood sugar.
5. Regular check-ups: Monitor blood sugar changes, promptly identify and adjust treatment plans.
Through proper diet management and lifestyle habits, diabetes patients can better control blood sugar, reduce the risk of complications, and lead a healthy life.
