Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that is increasing at an alarming rate all over the world, especially among Malayalis. This is a condition where the body’s cells cannot convert the glucose produced by the food we eat into energy, and it builds up in the blood. This is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas gland in the abdomen. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind diabetes:
Insulin Resistance (Type 2 Diabetes): Insulin resistance is the cause of 90% of diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes) seen in adults. In this condition, although the pancreas produces enough insulin, the body’s cells are unable to use it properly. As a result, glucose in the blood cannot enter the cells and it remains high in the blood. Obesity and lack of exercise are the main reasons for this.
Autoimmune Destruction of Pancreas Cells (Type 1 Diabetes): This is diabetes that is found in children and young adults. In this, the body’s immune system completely destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in its own pancreas, considering them as foreign objects. With this, insulin production in the body stops completely and insulin injections have to be taken from outside.
Changed diet and hard carbohydrates: Most of us Malayalis eat too much rice, maida, gourd, bakery sweets, and fast food every three meals. All these foods contain hard carbohydrates and a high glycemic index. When these are eaten, the glucose in the blood rises sharply, which makes the pancreas work overtime and slowly weakens it.
Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting for hours at a time and lack of physical activity increase body fat. Visceral fat, especially in the abdomen, can severely interfere with the function of the insulin hormone. When you don’t exercise, your muscles are less able to use glucose from the blood, which is also a cause of diabetes.
Genetics and Stress: Genetic factors play a major role in diabetes. If your parents or close relatives have diabetes, the next generation is 40 to 60 percent more likely to develop it. Along with this, when you are under severe stress, the body produces the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones directly interfere with the function of insulin and increase blood sugar levels.
