The condition we commonly call ‘sugar’ is scientifically known as Diabetes Mellitus. When the body’s cells cannot convert the glucose produced by the food we eat into energy, it builds up in the blood and the level rises. This is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas in the abdomen. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind high blood sugar levels:
Insulin Resistance: The most important scientific reason for high blood sugar in people with type-2 diabetes is insulin resistance. In this condition, although the pancreas produces enough insulin, the cells in the body are unable to use it properly (a condition in which the insulin key is unable to open the doors of the cells). As a result, glucose builds up in the blood outside the cells. Obesity and lack of exercise are the main reasons for this.
Weakness of pancreatic cells: When we eat too much sugar and carbohydrates, blood sugar rises quickly. To reduce this, the beta cells in the pancreas have to work overtime day and night. When this overwork continues for many years, these cells slowly get tired and their ability to produce insulin decreases. This can cause the sugar level to remain consistently high.
The wrong diet of Malayalis (High Glycemic Diet): Our main food is rice. Eating excessive amounts of rice, flour desserts, gourd, bakery desserts, and fast food three times a day, leads to a large amount of carbohydrates entering the body. These foods with a high glycemic index (High Glycemic Index) release glucose into the blood rapidly and disrupt the natural rhythm of the pancreas.
Visceral Fat and Physical Inactivity: Visceral fat accumulates in the abdomen in people who work for long hours and do not exercise much. This fat releases certain chemicals that severely interfere with the function of the insulin hormone. When you do not exercise, the muscles in the body use less glucose in the blood for energy and sugar levels increase.
Severe mental stress and hormones (Stress & Cortisol): In people with chronic severe mental stress, the body produces large amounts of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones directly interfere with the function of insulin and cause the glucose stored in the liver to be released back into the blood. This risk increases if someone in the family has diabetes.
