Home Health & Life The Family Diabetes Crisis: Uncovering the Hidden Truth in Your Daily Meals

Health & Life

The Family Diabetes Crisis: Uncovering the Hidden Truth in Your Daily Meals

31 December, 2024

According to information from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in China, with nearly 10,000 deaths per year attributed to the disease.

Yang Zhiwen, a family medicine and weight loss expert from Taiwan, pointed out that many people often have misconceptions about their diets. They believe they eat healthily but pay no attention to the types of food they consume daily, leading to nutritional imbalances and negative health impacts. She emphasized that the development of diabetes primarily stems from dietary habits.

Diabetes Development Stems Primarily From Dietary Habits

A Family Plagued by Diabetes Due to an “Inappropriate” Diet

Yang Zhiwen highlighted a concerning issue: among Taiwanese individuals over 60 years old, one in five is facing diabetes. In one striking example, an entire family was diagnosed with diabetes upon visiting her clinic. When Dr. Yang inquired about their dietary habits, she discovered that they frequently consumed fried rice and stir-fried noodles for all three meals, always adding soy sauce and other high-sodium condiments to their dishes.

Despite the family’s large food intake, with each member consuming up to three bowls of rice per meal, they barely included any protein or vegetables in their diet. Additionally, they had a penchant for candies, soft drinks, and unrestrained fruit consumption. Consequently, their blood sugar levels skyrocketed to 4,500 mg/dl. The excessive soy sauce and sauce intake not only increased dehydration risks but also easily led to hyperglycemia and osmotic pressure issues.

Yang Zhiwen asserted that a carbohydrate-rich diet can induce insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, triggering health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated uric acid levels, and obesity.

Furthermore, the doctor noted that families with diabetic members are typically at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. However, this does not imply that all family members will inevitably develop diabetes. She emphasized that with a reasonable diet and timely identification of underlying factors, even in the prediabetes stage, one can effectively manage their health.

The doctor also warned that as age advances, metabolic rates tend to decrease, and coupled with unreasonable diets and lack of exercise, insulin resistance may develop. This not only complicates blood sugar control but also increases the likelihood of diabetes.

Age, Unhealthy Diet, and Lack of Exercise Increase Insulin Resistance Risks

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation and Stress on Diabetes

Yang Zhiwen pointed out that, in addition to a high-carbohydrate diet, stress and sleep deprivation are significant contributors to insulin resistance. When the body absorbs excessive amounts of sugar, obesity can occur, leading to insulin resistance—a hormone crucial for maintaining blood sugar balance. Insulin resistance impairs the body’s ability to regulate sugar levels, thereby increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

She proposed three measures to improve insulin resistance:

Adjust Dietary Habits

Minimize refined carbohydrates and incorporate more fiber-rich and healthy fat foods. A balanced diet that reasonably combines carbohydrates, protein, and fat is essential. Prioritize selecting good fats and complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, while also including a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Increase Physical Activity

Engaging in physical exercise improves insulin sensitivity, with weight training and aerobic workouts proving particularly effective.

Manage Stress and Ensure Adequate Sleep

Effectively managing stress and improving sleep quality are vital for maintaining insulin function. If medication is necessary to treat insulin resistance, patients should consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and prescription.