UNDERSTAND DIABETES TO DEFEAT IT

Sunila Kelkar help demystify Diabetes with an in depth look into its causes, symptoms and management.
UNDERSTAND DIABETES TO DEFEAT IT
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The Orphan Who Won

The Orphan Who Won

“I have travelled around the world to see the rivers and mountains, and I spent a lot of money. I went to great lengths. I have seen everything. But I forgot to see just outside my house a dewdrop on a little blade of grass. A dewdrop which reflects the whole universe in its convexity” - Rabindranath Tagore

As the lady looks up from the paddy fields in a little village of Bengal, World War II airplanes crisscross the sky, slicing through clouds. The sun beats her eyes down, forcing her to look at the rice crops, and thus contemplate on the future. Could she see what would happen? Would she see that the British Government would start taking away the rice in her fields, and sending it to the Allied Troops?

Regrettably,thiswouldcausebothapriceriseandashortageofriceandwheatinthecountry.InBengalalonethisfaminewouldkillmorethan5million people.ThesceneoftheladyandthefighteraircraftisbasedonSatyajitRay'sbrilliantmovie“AshaniSanket”(DistantThunder).ThefilmitselfisderivedfromwelldocumentedfactssurroundingtheBengalfaminein1943.

The famine in India had important consequences for our nutrition choices, according to popular lore.

From then on, rice and wheat apparently became all important crops. After our independence, it is said that the government focused on rice and wheat, so that hunger would be eradicated from the country. While giving out rice and wheat via the public distribution system saved us from starvation, it also led to the sidelining of certain crops. Among these so called “orphan” crops was the magical millet.

Allow me to rephrase my lines. There is no magic in the humble millet. The Oxford Dictionary defines millet as a cereal grown in warm countries and regions with poor soils, bearing a large crop of small seeds which are mainly used to make flour.

But there is indeed more to the millet. If millets were people, even if orphaned, they would be simple, humble persons doing their job with passion. Millets are more nutrient-dense than rice, offering higher amounts of calories, protein, fibre, fat, minerals, and vitamins. They also help in better stabilising blood glucose. Compared with rice, consuming millets can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, enhance gut health, and may help in overall health. Millets are also gluten-free and may help people with gluten sensitivity.

Like the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore says in the quote about the dewdrop in the garden, India and the world seem to have come home to the millet universe in their own backyard. Recently, the World Health Organization termed “2023” as the International Year of Millet. Last year, marinated millets and crisped millet cakes were the stars at a dinner hosted by the President of the United States when a senior Indian delegation visited that country. These gestures are widely seen as acknowledgement of millet production in countries like India.

The gestures became powerfully symbolic. The orphan crop began to see a resurgence worldwide. Today, in India, millets like Ragi, Jowar and Bajra are everywhere: in groceries, restaurants, food delivery platforms and e-commerce sites. As people across the world seek a healthy, green planet, India too is embracing the superfood that is the millet. At Diabetes Health, we are not to be left far behind!

This issue's cover story celebrates the power of the millet. Step by step, we will help you add the flavour of millets to your meal plate.

Just a hopeful thought, as I end this editorial. If Tagore and Ray were to be reading this today, surely, they would be smiling!

Disclaimer: Ragi Dosa is a personal favourite of mine!

Dr Unnikrishnan AG

Editor

Food advertising may increase obesity risk

Food advertising may increase obesity risk

Food advertising is everywhere and can be viewed in television, social media, billboards, and even mobile apps. Meant to inform and attract consumers, there is growing evidence that food advertising-especially of unhealthy foods-is inextricably linked to rising obesity rates. This article reviews the latest scientific evidence on the subject, focusing on how advertising affects eating behaviors and contributes to obesity.

The Link Between Food Advertising and Obesity.

Exposing the population to food advertisements on TV is likely to increase food intake and therefore obesity rates. In the research study, data from several studies conducted all over the world were analyzed and the results were published in the British Medical Journal. The review examined the impact of advertisements for fast foods and those games that include advertisement of food in one way or another-on calorie intake and body mass index, or BMI, in children aged 2-18 years. Results from the studies found that exposed children to advertising for food increased their calorie intake by 60 Kcal, the increased calorie consumption was 53.4 Kcal. The study has found that one hour of TV time contains 12 minutes of advertisements. The advertisements are made in a manner such that the visual appeal of the food items is heightened. Obese children have been reported to request more for unhealthy but attractive food than their healthy weight peers.
A 2023 comprehensive study published in *The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology* has pointed out that children exposed to a high level of advertising for food are much more likely to eat foods which are not that healthy and to gain excessive weight. This study, that surveyed over 50,000 respondents, exposed the population to adverts related to food, and the rate and level of adverts directly impacted what people eat and their risk of obesity
Research published in *Obesity Reviews* in 2024 examined the physiological and psychological impact of food adverts. On the whole, the authors realized that advertisements implement the use of attractive visuals, emotionally appealing storytelling, and endorsements by celebrities as some of the strategies capable of shifting consumer preferences. Such manipulation is a lot more powerful in children because they are less able to critically process the messages and much more vulnerable to sweet and fatty foods.


Psychological and Behavioral Impacts

Food advertising manipulates the psychological principles to bring about changes in eating behavior. Most of those ads introduce a sense of urgency and reward, hence making one succumb to immediately indulging in foods that are harmful to health. A 2023 meta-analysis in *Psychological Bulletin* identified several of the key tactics used in food advertising, including colored packaging, attractive imagery, and promotional offers-which all enhance the likelihood of indulgence in unhealthy eating.
Moreover, in the beginning of 2024, Health Psychology presented a study that says repeated exposure to food ads results in conditioned responses. And in due time, people may well like advertised foods even without being hungry. This condition makes a person consume for health-bad foods out of habit and leads to an increase in obesity risk.


The Role of Advertising Regulations : Current Regulations and Their Limitations

In response to growing concerns about the impact of food advertising, various countries have implemented regulations aimed at curbing the promotion of unhealthy foods. In fact, as an example, just recently the UK issued regulations requiring that high-fat, sugar-based food adverts destined for children should not be broadcast during programs for children. The recent report by the World Health Organization published in 2024 reveals that the measures are not effective and are likely to fail at the levels of enforcement and scope.
Potential Improvements
Experts say that these regulations should be more frequent and strong in order to control the consequences of food advertising towards obesity. For example, the extension of the restrictions to online platforms, where children and adolescents currently suffer from an increasing degree of targeted advertisements of foods. Other suggestions include the regulation of advertisement contents, say through clear nutritional information, or banning misleading claims against the product..

Strategies to Reduce the Influence

Other counterbalance to the force of food advertisement is education. Media literacy and critical thinking programs can help children and their parents understand and work their way through enticing ads. Indeed, in a 2024 study published in *Educational Psychology*, researchers found that children who received media literacy training about food ads were less susceptible to advertising for foods of low nutritional value, which then translated into healthier food choices.

Promoting Healthier Choices

Another effective way could be an overall levelling through advertisement of healthy products. Offering subsidies for advertisements of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods will compensate for consumer demands and ensure that the imbalance created in favor of junk food advertisements is destroyed in the right measure. Initiatives like Australia's "Eat Smart" campaign-use Catchy, instructional ads to inspire good eating-offer at least a glimmer of hope that improvement will occur in what people consume.


Conclusion

The connection of food advertising to obesity becomes ever clearer as research demonstrates how persuasive strategies encourage unhealthful eating patterns and weight increase. While some answers come from laws and educational programs, a more wide-ranging strategy is needed in order to adequately deal with the problem. One can stimulate healthier eating habits, counteracting the rising rates of obesity, simply by being conscious of-and taking active and positive measures to diminish-the influence of food advertising.

FAQs

Q

What specific effects does food advertising have on children?

A

Food advertisements exploit children's emotional and visual vulnerabilities to induce them to consume unhealthy foods, thereby increasing their likelihood of developing obesity.

Q

What type of approaches are used in food advertisements?

A

Food advertisements use bright colors, lovable characters, sadness-tinged stories, and famous celebrities to make unhealthy meals more attractive and memorable, particularly for young minds.

Q

Do the available regulations provide any impact on obesity rates?

A

Scientists argue that the present laws against the advertising of unhealthy foods are too little and call for broader policy packages with the inclusion of stricter regulations and overall enforcement.

Q

What are some ways people can reduce the impact of food advertising?

A

People can reduce the impact of food advertising by promoting media literacy, making informed nutrition choices, promoting healthy eating, and implementing educational programs and healthier food marketing.

Gut bacteria may raise risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Gut bacteria may raise risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Increasingly in recent years, gut bacteria have been implicated in metabolic health. Emerging evidence indicates that the composition and function of our gut microbiome are very important to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This article explains the latest scientific evidence linking gut bacteria to risk for T2D and answers some commonly asked questions regarding this association.

Knowing about the Gut Microbiome

There are trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea within the human gut. These microbes play a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, immune function, and even mental states. Thus, a balanced gut microbiome is instrumental to our health; however, an imbalance in the microbial community, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to most metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes.

Recent Scientific Findings

This research has demonstrated that the gut microbiome pattern in a patient suffering from type 2 diabetes differs from that of a non-diabetic patient. A meta-analysis in Diabetes Care (2022) came to the conclusion that in the majority of diabetic patients, there is lesser microbial diversity, with an abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria and lowered beneficial strains. Such an imbalance can cause impaired glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Gut microbes ferment dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. SCFAs have been shown to have anti-inflammatory actions and to enhance sensitivity to insulin. Researchers in a study published recently in Nature Metabolism (2023) indicate that individuals with the highest concentrations of SCFAs in their blood tend to show a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The authors conclude that a healthy microbiome that favors the production of SCFAs might therefore be a protective factor.

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Research over the past few years has shed light on the role of gut bacteria in modulating the inflammatory process. Recently published in Cell Host & Microbe (2023), there are some gut bacteria that actually modulate the immune response to either up- or down-regulate inflammation. Thus, dysbiosis might be one of the causes for the inflammation seen in T2D.

Diet has a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome. According to a report published in The Lancet (2022), diet high in fiber and low in processed sugars positively contributes to beneficial gut bacteria. Conversely, a diet high in fat and sugar can contribute to dysbiosis and an associated increase in risk for T2D. Thus, dietary choices are critical factors in the maintenance of a healthy gut and preventing metabolic disorders.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is an experimental therapy involving the intestinal microbiota of a healthy donor transplanted into a recipient. Initial studies have shown that FMT from lean, healthy persons improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in obese subjects. A study published in Nature in 2023 demonstrated that FMT could reverse some metabolic abnormalities in at-risk T2D subjects, yielding some therapeutic potential for gut microbiota manipulation.

Conclusion

Really, it is very complex and fast-evolving between gut bacteria and type 2 diabetes. The more research done, the clearer it becomes that a better-balanced gut microbiome is necessary for fighting chronic diseases such as T2D. By having healthy diets and lifestyles, each person can certainly do some positive steps towards having better gut health to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

FAQs

Q

How would you contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes in relation to gut bacteria?

A

The gut bacteria influence T2D through a variety of mechanisms, such as the production of metabolites that affects insulin sensitivity, modulations of inflammation, and impact on the gut barrier function. Dysbiosis leads to increased inflammation and impaired glucose metabolism, thereby contributing to the risk of T2D.

Q

Can I manipulate my gut bacteria to reduce my type 2 diabetes risk?

A

Most importantly, nutritional and lifestyle changes can help to improve your gut microbiota. The diet includes high amounts of fiber, many fermented foods, low processed sugars, and regular exercise for a healthy balance in the gut.

Q

Do probiotics have any kind of role to play in preventing type 2 diabetes?

A

Whereas a number of limited evidence indicate some probiotic strains could hold potential for optimizing metabolic health and improving certain elements of insulin sensitivity, research on the topic is still very much in its formative stages. Probiotics may not benefit everyone, and it is especially crucial to choose strains that have been researched for effects on metabolic health.

Q

What can I do to determine whether my gut microbiome is healthy?

A

At present, there is no test which can predict the well-being status of gut microbiome, but symptomatology like bloating and irritable bowel movement, perhaps interlinked with chronic inflammation, may be indicative. However, proper consultation with a healthcare provider is essential in this regard as everyone has varied health situations.

Q

Is there a genetic factor to the association between the gut microbiota and type 2 diabetes?

A

Yes, genetics could have been influencing the way people react to the presence of certain bacteria in the gut and, therefore the risk for developing diabetes and, thereby, be considered a predisposing factor. Genetic predisposition can influence the nature of the gut microbiome and some metabolic responses hence leading to the conclusion that personalized prevention and treatment approaches are called for.

Q

Do drugs affect gut bacteria and susceptibility to diabetes?

A

Certain drugs, like antibiotics, can alter the gut microbiome and affect metabolic health. Some diabetes medications-including metformin-are thought to positively change the way the gut microbiota is composed. Talk with your healthcare professional about any concerns regarding prescription medications.

A plant-based diet lowers Diabetes risk

A plant-based diet lowers Diabetes risk

Diabetes has become one of the major global health issues. The World Health Organization has reported that close to 422 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. As lifestyle diseases rise over the years, the role of diet has become a subject of much attention in the treatment and prevention of diabetes. New research findings have come to light where the incidences of diabetes drastically reduce by adopting a plant-based diet. This paper deals with such emerging research and brings answers to several questions for people regarding plant-based diets and diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

 The two main categories that diabetes diagnoses fall into include Type 1, an autoimmune disease, and Type 2, which is primarily a condition of lifestyle. The major form of diabetes, Type 2, is typically diagnosed through insulin resistance and most times may be prevented and controlled through diet and exercise with a healthy amount of body weight. 

The Plant-Based Diet

 A diet which emphasizes on plant-based foods, which includes products from plants, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while largely restricting or avoiding foods of animal origin, has been associated with weight loss and improved heart health. There is potential to reduce the incidence of diabetes. 

Recent Scientific Findings

 A review in 2022 in Nutrients stated that plant-based diets typically have lower GI than diets heavy with refined carbohydrates and animal products. Foods that break down to a low GI release glucose slower in the bloodstream, thus maintaining stable blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of insulin resistance. According to a systematic review published in the journal Diabetes Care, individuals on plant-based diets have a lower body mass index and body fat percentage as compared to those who had omnivorous diets. The prevention of Type 2 diabetes involves weight loss and weight gain and is being facilitated by the prevention of excess body weight from being one of the major risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Recent research of *The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism* found that users of a plant-based diet were associated with improved insulin sensitivity. Mainly, the rationale for this factor is the high fiber content found in foods derived from plants, since fiber is believed to regulate blood sugar and enhance a healthy gut microbiota.

Chronic inflammation has been known to contribute to insulin resistance.

 A study in *Nutrients* shows that the consumption of plant-based diets is highly rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce the risk factors associated with inflammation. Such modulation may further decrease the incidence of diabetes. Generally, plant-based diets tend to be rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, that contribute toward overall health. An assortment of plant-based foods meets all the nutrient requirements; hence, a well-planned plant-based diet provides adequate metabolic processes, which may in turn lower the risk for diabetes. Conclusion

Ever-increasing evidence supports the likelihood that a diet grounded in plants may play an important part in diabetes prevention and reduction of risk. Food intake of whole nutrient-dense foods improves overall health, including healthy weight, and may culminate in better blood sugar management. More and more research and findings put forth benefits for plant-based diets and promise an attractive route in the fight against diabetes prevention and control.

FAQs

Q

What does a plant-based diet consist of?

A

A plant-based diet is a diet that is centered on plant-origin foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Sometimes people also include small amounts of animal products, while others choose a strictly vegan diet, refraining from eating any animal-based foods.

Q

Will I get enough protein on a plant-based diet?

A

Absolutely! When people talk about plant-based proteins, the list goes on and on and is quite impressive: lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, and countless nuts and seeds. There's enough to mix and match to easily get enough protein.

Q

Do I have to give up all animal products completely?

A

While no one has to give up on all animal products, lower intake of the same could sometimes lower blood sugar or otherwise help.

Even a mainly plant-based diet will greatly decrease the chances of developing diabetes.

Q

How soon can I see the benefits from switching to a plant-based diet?

A

Some people's benefits come quicker than others. More often than not, people feel that they are improving their energy, weight, and blood sugar control within a few weeks or months after the adoption of a plant-based diet. Of course, long-term continuation is important for long-term health benefits.

Q

Tips for Implementing a Plant-based Diet

A

You can start with a gradual introduction to fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. You can also try plant-based recipes and other cuisines different from your previous choices. Taking it to the next step, you can also join a community or a support group.

Ultra-processed foods may cause Diabetes

Ultra-processed foods may cause Diabetes

In the last couple of decades, UPF consumption has exploded; therefore, serious health concerns about these foods have emerged. Interestingly enough, even more and more studies are pointing out that there is a significant association between UPFs and the risk of type 2 diabetes. This article, therefore, discusses recent scientific evidence representing how such foods may contribute to increased risk of diabetes and answers the most frequently asked questions on this essential issue.

 What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods are described as industrial formulations designed to be devoured directly by consumers, mainly made from sugar, oils, fats, starch, and proteins, often combined with additives such as preservatives, colorings, and flavorings. Examples of these products include sugary beverages and packaged snack foods, instant noodles, and ready-to-eat meals. Most ultra-processed foods present low nutritional density but high caloric density, hence predisposing individuals to gain weight and develop metabolic problems.

Association of UPFs and Diabetes

Research published in the journal Cell Metabolism in 2019 examined the diets of over 44,000 people and reported that UPF consumption correlates with an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. In an observation noted by the researchers, for every 10% increase in UPF dietary intake, the risk for diabetes increases by 15%. A 2020 article published in the journal Nutrients on ultra-processed foods reported that such foods contribute to promoting inflammation-a long known risk factor for the development of insulin resistance. The authors further note that increased levels of inflammatory markers have been found in diets rich in UPF; they impair the operation of insulin and contribute to the development of diabetes.

Latest evidence based on a study published in *Diabetes Care* in 2021 showed that ultra-processed foods negatively impact gut microbiota. Its critical play in metabolism and sensitivity to insulin depicts its diverseness and healthiness as good metabolic health, whereas disruption of the same leads to increasing probabilities of developing type 2 diabetes.

UPFs generally contain high amounts of refined sugars and carbohydrates that can significantly increase the load on the glycemic index. The risk for diabetes type 2 has been shown to increase if the intake of a diet rich in glycemic load continues over a long period, especially in those already prone to metabolic syndrome. Mechanisms of Action

There are several mechanisms of association between UPFs and diabetes. These foods are calorically dense and lead to overeating and obesity, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. These foods may have deficiency of desirable nutrients, displacing healthier food options that support metabolic health. There are several additives found in UPFs that have metabolic effects and influence insulin sensitivity, but further research in this area is still needed.

However, lifestyle factors also contribute to the risk of diabetes, and consumption of UPFs is a leading determinant. Sedentary lifestyle, low physical activity, and poor sleep all are multipliers of all the adverse effects brought about from consumption of ultra-processed foods. Consolingly enough, even relatively minor changes in lifestyle practices-physical activity and a diet rich in whole food items-can greatly reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Conclusion

More and more, ultra-processing of foods has turned out to be a critical public health issue due mainly to its association with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Scientific evidence that points to various mechanisms through which UPFs may contribute to diabetes risk involves inflammation, insulin resistance, and weight gain. Making informed dietary choices with an emphasis on whole foods can have a greatly reduced risk for diabetes or any disease and improvement in health. Understanding the implications of our dietary choices is more crucial than ever in these changing landscapes of food consumption.

FAQs

Q

What are ultra-processed foods?

A

Examples include sugary drinks, packaged snack foods like chips and cookies, instant meals such as microwaveable dinners, processed meats, and cereals containing high levels of added sugars.

Q

Can I eat ultra-processed foods sometimes without raising my risk of developing diabetes?

A

Moderation. The risk appears unlikely to increase with occasional consumption, but regular overconsumption of UPFs will eventually contribute to adverse health outcomes.

Q

What should I eat instead of ultra-processed foods?

A

Emphasize whole, minimally processed foods. These include foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Cooking at home can help avoid UPFs and improve the quality of nutrition.

Q

Are all processed foods unhealthy?

A

Not all processed foods are created equal. Some other choices are frozen vegetables, canned beans, and whole-grain bread. These retain good amounts of nutritional value, as opposed to those foods that come highly processed with large amounts of sugar, sodium, and other additives.

Q

How can I cut down on ultra-processed foods?

A

Have a weekly menu on hand in order to add whole foods. Check the ingredient lists and have more products with fewer additives in the lists. You are in charge of what is put into the food that you prepare.

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