The Truth About Diabetes

Are those high-carb diets on social media as effective as they are portrayed to be?

Today, let's dive into a critical topic – obesity and Type 2 diabetes. These are not just individual health issues; they impact over a billion people worldwide and are significant concerns in the United States.

It's a common misconception that obesity stems solely from overeating and lack of exercise, with blame often placed on individuals dealing with diabetes. But that's not the whole story.

Recently, I stumbled upon an enlightening Ted-Talk by Dr. Sarah Hallberg, where she delved deep into the true culprit behind diabetes and obesity – a hormone called insulin. Insulin's primary role is to facilitate the movement of sugar (glucose) into our cells for energy. However, when the body is or becomes insulin-resistant, this process is disrupted. More insulin is produced to manage blood sugar levels, yet this surplus of insulin triggers hunger, promotes fat storage, and can ultimately lead to inflammation and diabetes. 

Dr. Hallberg also discussed the impact of different foods on insulin levels. Proteins moderately boost insulin, while fats surprisingly have no effect. On the other hand, carbohydrates are the troublemakers, causing rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar, leaving us craving more food.

I found it hard to believe that the same fat that people are trying to rid of their bodies affects the blood pressure the least out of all 3 macronutrients. 

The problem lies in the lack of clarity surrounding "excess carbs." In reality, our bodies do not require carbs for basic functioning. Despite this, social media, doctors, and nutritionists often advocate for carb-heavy diets. 

Imagine this scenario – doctors prescribing medications and then recommending high-carb diets to diabetic patients. It's akin to administering poison after providing medicine!

To add to the complexity, diabetic individuals spend a significant amount on medications annually. These medications, besides being painful due to injections, perpetuate insulin production – the very hormone responsible for fat storage. 

It's alarming how profit-driven motives influence our healthcare system, making us reliant on costly treatments that may exacerbate health issues. Dr. Hallberg revealed that diabetic patients spend over $2,000 yearly on medications that may not offer substantial benefits.

Let's not blindly accept everything we encounter on social media. For decades, we've been led to believe that carbs are essential for our well-being, when in reality, they are the primary contributors to diabetes.

Here's the truth – the vast majority (90%) of Type 2 diabetes cases are beyond individual control; they are inherent conditions.

Take care, and let's continue to educate ourselves and challenge prevailing narratives.

By Victoria Maeng (GEL Student Blogger)