Diet May Play a Role in a Future Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis

While there is lots of data on how lifestyle habits impact our health, a new study reinforces a link between ultra-processed foods and the increase in a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes. The study from the University College London analyzed the intake of ultra-processed foods and health outcomes in more than 310,000 Europeans over a period of ten years.

This deserves attention as our country’s research shows “about 60% of daily caloric intake for Americans comes from consuming ultra-processed foods.” Moreover according to the CDC, the number of Americans with diabetes or prediabetes continues to rise. They state 38.7 million people or 11.6 percent of the population has diabetes, and another 97.6 million people aged 18 years or older (38 percent of the adult U.S. population) has prediabetes.

Researchers say the problem with ultra-processed food is they include additives and/or industrial processed and novel types of fats, proteins and carbs a home cook wouldn’t use. Samuel Dicken, BA Hons (Cantab.), MSc, clinical scientist and doctoral researcher at the Centre for Obesity Research in the Division of Medicine at University College London, and lead author of the study explained to Medical News Today, “Ultra-processed foods are everywhere, they’re highly accessible, cheap, convenient, and heavily marketed.” He says just take a look at grocery shelves filled with ultra-processed foods like breakfast cereals, snacks, plant-based alternatives and sugary drinks.

Despite the study showing the more ultra-processed food a person consumed, the higher the risk for developing type 2 diabetes; the study also had good news. It reported participants who altered their diet by replacing 10 percent of ultra-processed foods with 10 percent of minimally processed foods reduced their diabetes risk by 8%.

Experts say to improve our diet; we should eat more fruits and vegetables, limit drive-through meals and cook healthy meals at home. Also when grocery shopping, read labels; the longer the list, the more likely it is ultra-processed regardless of claims of low fat or high fiber.

At the MorningStar of Beaverton senior living community, we pride ourselves on offering residents a delicious dining service based on lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and other healthy ingredients. Our lovely community offers area seniors the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us to set up an in-person tour.

 
Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cutting-ultra-processed-food-consumption-could-lower-type-2-diabetes-risk