Diabetes is becoming increasingly common, especially type 2 diabetes, which is often caused by poor lifestyle habits. Today, we will answer three key questions:
- What is diabetes?
- What are its causes and symptoms?
- How does a low-carb diet help manage diabetes?
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes, also known as "sugar disease," is a condition related to blood sugar levels. Let's briefly explain:
When you eat, your blood sugar levels fluctuate. For example, when you consume bread or vegetables, you intake carbohydrates that are converted into glucose, or energy. High glucose levels cause your blood sugar to rise.
In such cases, the pancreas produces insulin, which enters your bloodstream and helps the cells in your body absorb glucose. Insulin ensures glucose is taken up by the cells for energy.
However, in people with diabetes, this process doesn't function properly. The pancreas either doesn't produce enough insulin, or the body can't effectively use the insulin produced. This leads to an imbalance in blood sugar levels.
Type 1 Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, with type 1 being less common. This form often occurs in children. The insulin-producing cells in the pancreas no longer function, so no insulin is produced to regulate blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar and inject insulin daily.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent. According to the Diabetes Fund, 9 out of 10 people with diabetes have this form. Although the body still produces insulin, it responds less effectively to it. This type often develops with age but is increasingly seen in younger people due to factors like lack of exercise, obesity, poor diet, and smoking. Overweight individuals have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are often vague and can be hard to identify. Common symptoms include:
- Slow-healing wounds
- Painful legs when walking
- Excessive fatigue
- Extreme thirst and frequent urination
- Irritated eyes
In contrast, type 1 diabetes symptoms are more noticeable and often detected early:
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Nausea
- Significant weight loss without reason
- Varying hunger levels
If you frequently experience these symptoms, it’s advisable to see a doctor for testing. If diagnosed with diabetes, medication can help manage the symptoms, and a treatment plan can be developed.
Causes of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be caused by aging, obesity, and smoking. Additional risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Ethnic background (e.g., Turkish, Moroccan, or Surinamese heritage)
- Family history of diabetes
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unclear but is thought to involve an autoimmune response where the body attacks insulin-producing cells, possibly triggered by a virus.
Low-carb diet eating with diabetes
A low-carb diet can greatly benefit diabetes patients by better controlling blood sugar levels. In some cases, it can even lead to remission of the disease. Here's how it works:
How Carbohydrates Affect Your Body
To explain why a low-carbohydrate diet can help with diabetes, I will first talk a little about exactly how carbohydrates work in your body.
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for your body. You get them through your diet. After digestion, carbohydrates are converted into glucose. This glucose is absorbed by your body and burned, giving your body energy.
The glucose enters your blood through the intestinal wall. That glucose in your blood is also called blood sugar. The blood sugar then spreads throughout the body. As a result, your blood sugar level goes up.
Excess glucose is stored as 'energy for later'. Here is the important point for when you want to lose weight. This is because if you take too many carbohydrates, your body cannot absorb all the glucose and more and more is stored as fat. If you keep taking carbohydrates, then your body will not get around to burning those fat stores and you may suffer from obesity.
Remember: Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body. However, too high an intake prevents the body from absorbing it and converting it into fat.
Managing Blood Sugar with a Low-Carb Diet
As glucose enters your blood, your sugar level thus goes up. Normally, this is not a bad thing. In fact, in most cases your body reacts naturally to this. Your pancreas releases insulin, which ensures that the sugar is absorbed into your cells. This keeps your blood sugar level at a normal level.
In people with diabetes, however, this does not happen automatically. There are different types of diabetes, but the types that are most common are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not release enough insulin and in type 2 diabetes, the cells cannot absorb sugar properly. So in both cases, too little glucose enters the cells and blood sugar levels do not reach a stable level.
So, as you can read, carbohydrates affect your blood sugar. This is why eating low-carb is a real godsend for people with diabetes. This is because it is very important for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels. With a low-carb diet, you prevent excess glucose in your blood and avoid unwanted fluctuations in your sugar levels.
Implementing a Low-Carb Diet
The exact amount of carbohydrates to consume varies per individual. Some diabetics benefit from as little as 20 grams per day, while others may thrive on up to 70 grams. Generally, an intake of 20 to 90 grams per day is recommended. Avoid quick, "bad" carbs found in sugary foods, starchy vegetables, and grains. Instead, focus on slow carbs and ensure you get plenty of healthy fats and proteins as alternative energy sources.
Benefits of a Low-Carb Diet for Diabetics
- Stabilized Blood Sugar Levels: Fewer carbs lead to fewer spikes and drops in blood sugar.
- Reduced Medication Needs: Weight loss may decrease the need for medication or insulin.
- Lower Diabetes Risk: A healthy weight and balanced diet reduce the overall risk of diabetes.
Conclusion
A low-carb diet is highly recommended for diabetics. It helps avoid unwanted blood sugar fluctuations and provides better control over blood sugar levels. However, it’s essential to adjust your diet in coordination with your medication. Consult your doctor before starting a low-carb diet to ensure it's safe and effective for you.
