Top 10 Causes of Diabetes to Be Cautious of

1. Insulin Deficiency

Insulin is a type of hormone released from the pancreatic islet cells in the pancreas. It plays a role in metabolizing carbohydrates in the body. Insulin also contributes to converting fatty tissues and the liver into ATP energy to support bodily functions. Insulin is synthesized in the Beta cells within the islets of the pancreas through the protein synthesis mechanism in the cells. Insulin is the only agent in the body capable of reducing the concentration of glucose in the blood. Diabetes results from an elevated blood glucose level, often due to insufficient insulin.

Insulin is the unique hormone in the body with the ability to reduce blood glucose levels. Insulin is synthesized through the protein synthesis machinery of beta cells in the pancreas. When proinsulin is produced by the pancreas, 5/6 of it will transform into insulin. After consuming foods containing starch and sugar, the blood glucose level will rise, stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin directly influences the consumption and storage of glucose by the liver, muscles, and fatty tissues. A surplus of glucose is stored in the liver as glycogen. If the blood glucose level decreases, the body will use glycogen to convert it into glucose to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Therefore, insulin plays a crucial role in stabilizing blood sugar, and insulin deficiency is a leading cause of diabetes.

2. Obesity

Obesity tends to make the body less active, but with a high intake of nutrients. This imbalance of calories in the body is the root cause of insulin resistance. When we consume excessive nutrients, and our bodies are not physically active enough to utilize the surplus energy, it leads to the production of excess insulin by the pancreas. This prolonged situation weakens the pancreas, diminishing its ability to consistently produce insulin, ultimately causing diabetes.

One of the factors hindering insulin activity in glucose absorption into cells is insulin resistance, and obesity is one of the contributors. In obesity, even when insulin is secreted, harmful substances from fat cells impair its effectiveness in the liver, muscles, and fat tissues. Initially, insulin is often secreted excessively to counter insulin resistance and prevent blood sugar elevation. At this stage, insulin resistance is masked by the excess insulin, making diabetes challenging to diagnose. However, if insulin continues to be secreted excessively, it may lead to high blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and more. Additionally, if this process persists, insulin resistance may strengthen, accelerating the development of type 2 diabetes.

Today, diabetes is categorized into 2 types: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Researchers specializing in genetic diseases have revealed that those born into families where both parents have diabetes face a 75% risk of developing the condition. In contrast, if only one parent has diabetes, the risk decreases to around 15%. In most cases of Type 1 diabetes, individuals inherit risk factors from both parents.

Scientists suggest that this factor is prevalent among people of Caucasian descent as they have the highest incidence of Type 1 diabetes. Environmental factors are believed to be associated with Type 1 diabetes. The condition is more prevalent in winter compared to summer and is common in cold climates. Another factor could be viruses, as some types can trigger Type 1 diabetes in certain individuals. Postnatal dietary habits may also play a role in Type 1 diabetes, as research indicates a lower prevalence in breastfed and late-introduced solid food infants.

As mentioned earlier, the pancreas is the primary organ responsible for producing insulin. If the pancreas experiences any abnormalities such as weakness or toxicity, the production of insulin will gradually decrease or may cease entirely. In most cases, weakened and toxic pancreas results from immune system white blood cells attacking beta cells or direct environmental toxicity affecting the pancreas through various foods, bacteria, or toxins. Broccoli, sweet potatoes, garlic, and yogurt are considered golden foods to aid pancreatic recovery.

The pancreas is the site of insulin production - a hormone that regulates the quantity and metabolism of carbohydrates in the body. However, external factors such as infection, toxicity, prolonged consumption of contaminated food… can lead to the pancreas being attacked and gradually weakened, resulting in the inability to produce insulin, a cause of Type 2 diabetes. To mitigate this, adopting a 'clean' eating regimen, increasing daily intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoiding processed or unclearly sourced foods are recommended.

Aside from uncontrolled eating habits, lack of physical activity is a major factor contributing to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Sedentary behavior adversely affects the accumulation of excess energy in the body, leading to abnormalities in the pancreas and insulin production, similar to obesity. Moreover, inactivity weakens health, providing favorable conditions for viruses, toxins, and pathogens to attack cells, potentially damaging beta cells in the pancreas.

Diabetes is considered a 'silent killer' as it elevates complications related to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and is a leading cause of kidney failure in patients with kidney disease; neuropathy, foot disorders, infectious complications such as tuberculosis, blood infections. Thus, diabetes affects health, quality of life, or may cause disability, reduced life expectancy, and even death in patients. Therefore, to minimize the risk of diabetes, cultivate the habit of exercise and physical activity!

Indulging in sweetened beverages, particularly soft drinks, is a significant factor in the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes. A study by the National Cancer Center of Japan revealed that women who consume sugary drinks like fruit-flavored water or cola daily have an 1.8 times higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those who abstain. The research team advises: High-calorie sweetened drinks tend to reduce glucose absorption and insulin sensitivity in the body. Excessive calories from sugary beverages can contribute to obesity. Consuming a large amount of sugary drinks can cause a sharp increase in blood glucose and insulin levels, leading to compromised glucose absorption and insulin resistance. Fructose, commonly used to sweeten drinks, has been linked to an increase in visceral fat (which is strongly associated with insulin resistance). Additionally, fructose has been reported to raise blood uric acid levels, increasing the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Sweetened beverages are industrial products synthesized with various chemicals such as artificial colorings, chemical sweeteners, water, preservatives, etc. If these drinks are consumed excessively, harmful substances can accumulate in the body. Did you know that chemical sweeteners are much sweeter than regular sugar? Excessive consumption can significantly raise blood glucose levels. Soft drinks are a favorite beverage for children, so parents need to remind and take measures to control their children's consumption. Instead, you and your family can easily replace sugary drinks with freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable juices.

Over the past decade (2009 - 2019), the number of people with diabetes in Vietnam has increased from 2.7% to 5.7%, making it one of the world's leading chronic diseases with a rapidly rising rate. The treatment costs for diabetes in Vietnam are quite high due to late hospital visits, severe complications, and incorrect treatment at lower-level facilities. The reason is that up to 70% of patients are not detected early, there is a lack of experts and specialized doctors at lower-level facilities for diabetes treatment. Among the main causes is fast food.

Most types of fast food are processed by deep frying multiple times. Reused oils generate a substance called glycerol - a culprit for many typical cancers, such as liver cancer, and produce the chemical component MDA - the main precursor for polymer formation. When MDA reacts with proteins in the body, it alters the structure of protein molecules, causing cell mutations. Moreover, fast food has a high cholesterol content, causing fat accumulation and excess energy, leading to obesity and, consequently, diabetes.

8. White Rice

White rice, commonly consumed in many Asian countries, has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. Despite being a staple, white rice has a high glycemic index, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This places a strain on the pancreas, potentially leading to insulin resistance and, eventually, diabetes. To mitigate this risk, individuals may consider incorporating whole grains and brown rice into their diets as healthier alternatives.

White rice contains high levels of starch and sugar, making it a overlooked cause of diabetes. The cultural norm in Asia is centered around consuming rice in main meals, leading to a higher risk of diabetes compared to other continents. Daily consumption of white rice increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes (risk of disease is 17%). Therefore, consider using brown rice - a type of rice with significantly lower sugar and starch content than white rice - as a healthier substitute in daily meals, especially for those with diabetes or overweight.

Evidence suggests that white rice and some accompanying foods can elevate the glycemic index (GI) compared to brown rice. The GI measures the impact of food on blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI are often associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Rice (cooked from white rice) is a form of sugar (carbohydrate). Consuming rice means absorbing some carbohydrates and converting them into glucose in the blood. Long-grain white rice, including jasmine rice, has a GI of around 72, while sticky rice has an even higher GI (86), whereas brown rice has the lowest GI (around 56). This can explain the findings of the Harvard University study regarding the GI content in white rice.

This is also an indirect cause of diabetes. Pork, lamb, beef, and processed meats have high levels of nutrients and fats. The excessive intake of these fats not only complicates blood sugar control but also increases cholesterol levels, posing a health risk, especially for those with diabetes who are at a higher risk of complications. Establish a healthy diet by opting for lean meats such as fish and chicken.

Protein plays a role in cell formation, tissue maintenance, and repairing damaged parts of the body. Although protein is converted into sugar, the process is slower compared to starchy foods. So, what meats should individuals with diabetes avoid? Red meats like beef, pork, and lamb, as they not only have high protein content but also contain significant fat (cholesterol) that can contribute to arterial plaque buildup, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Moreover, individuals with diabetes should steer clear of processed red meats like smoked or sausage, which not only contain high levels of saturated fat but also have a high salt content, elevating the risk of high blood pressure.

While eggs are nutritious and can be prepared into various delicious dishes, they are rich in protein, cholesterol, and saturated fats, increasing the risk of developing diabetes. These fats can lead to disturbances and difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels, accumulating fat in internal organs and various parts of the body. A study has shown that consuming 1 egg per day increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 60%. This doesn't mean you have to completely avoid eggs; consuming them in moderation won't pose a diabetes risk.

The best way to cook eggs is to boil, poach, or scramble them with a small amount of low-fat milk. Experts also recommend pairing eggs with green vegetables rather than consuming them with foods high in saturated fats, such as smoked meat or cheese. It's advisable to eat around 3 eggs per week. Eggs from local farms are preferable to industrial eggs or duck eggs. Consuming eggs in the morning is better than at lunch or dinner. Additionally, when eating eggs, include both egg whites and yolks to get all the essential nutrients. No specific food should be strictly avoided by individuals with diabetes, and eggs are no exception. You can add eggs to your diet without worrying about the impact on diabetes. Instead, pay attention to how you eat and the quantity of eggs you consume daily.