Diabetes - Reducing the Risk

Diabetes - Lowering the risk

You may have noticed sugar has recently received a lot of media attention. Rightly so.

Access to sugar and our food choices - be that in cola, cakes, biscuits or hidden away in sauces, soups, dressings, baked beans etc. have sky rocketed our risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes.

Did you know the health of your mouth also has a direct link to your diabetes risk?

What is Type-2 Diabetes?

It usually starts in middle age and is linked to a sedentary lifestyle, worryingly; it is now affecting younger patients too. Diabetes is becoming a ‘global epidemic’.

Type-2 Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin hormone, or the insulin hormone is ineffective in removing glucose from your blood stream.

Those with uncontrolled Type-2 diabetes are more likely to develop conditions such as heart and kidney disease, leading in turn to a lower life expectancy.

Staggeringly, Diabetes UK reveal that 58% of cases of Type-2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and being active.

How does my gum health affect my diabetes risk?

The British society of Periodontology recognise “in people with diabetes, those who have severe gum disease have higher blood sugar levels (measured by a test called HbA1c), compared with those with healthier gums”.

When you have severe gum disease your body’s control of blood sugar levels is not as good as it should be.

Reducing the risk

The good news is you can reduce your risk of getting type-2 diabetes by eating for health, keeping active & looking after your gum health. The signs of Type-2 diabetes are not obvious to start with and can take up to 10 years before you learn you have it. Prevention is better than cure.

Use interdental brushes or floss before you brush to remove all plaque thoroughly from every tooth. It is important to see your dental professional as often as they recommend so they can monitor your gum health and check your home care regime is working for you.

“Eat for long-term goals, not short term satisfaction”

Diabetes UK agrees that reducing your sugar intake is the way forward:

“Sugar is a type of carbohydrate and because all carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels, reducing your sugar intake can help to keep blood glucose levels under control. As sugar contributes no nutritive value, apart from carbohydrates and calories, it has ‘empty calories’. This doesn’t mean that people with diabetes should have a sugar-free diet. In fact, it’s almost impossible to have a sugar-free diet in the long term.”

 Reducing refined sugar from your diet also reduces risk of tooth decay.

 

Ready to eat for better health? Here’s how to get started:

-          Preparation! Create a list of go-to recipes & fill your cupboards and fridge with wholesome ingredients.

-          Remove temptation.

-          Treat yourself. A local organic seasonal vegetable box can inspire new recipes. Or celebrate a better health milestone with a new kitchen gadget to keep things exciting (spiralized vegetables are beautiful!)

To keep the nutritious recipe ideas flowing ‘JamiesFoodRevolution.org’ promises big things this year, or try searching for ‘paleo’ recipes (no refined sugar or refined flour).

 Here’s to a healthier, happier you.

 Christina.