How urban diets and artificial sweeteners are raising global diabetes risk – Firstpost

A staggering 422 million people worldwide are grappling with diabetes, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries. The disease claims approximately 1.5 million lives annually with numbers projected to increase.

In Europe, diabetes affects 64 million adults and 300,000 children and adolescents. The continent witnessed 186,000 diabetes-related deaths in 2019, a figure expected to double by 2030. One-third of those living with diabetes remain undiagnosed, while up to half struggle to meet treatment targets.

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It is estimated that by 2045, 1 in 10 Europeans may develop diabetes, fuelled by aging populations and rising obesity rates. The Region already has the highest burden of type 1 diabetes globally. While in India, at least 77 million people above 18 years suffer from type 2 diabetes and 25 million prediabetics with over 50% of the population with diabetes are unaware of their condition.

We spoke with Dr Vimal Upreti, Additional Director of the Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida and discussed the topics, precautions, and related aspects.

Excerpts

Poor Diet increases diabetes risk

Dr Upreti: Increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes is not only caused by genetic factors but is also a consequence of poor lifestyle, mostly on the level of dietary habits. With urbanisation and the trend of diets towards artificial sweeteners and high-calorie snacks, type 2 diabetes cases are prevalent. An early understanding of nutritional choices and early warning signs can help manage the condition and prevent serious complications.

Artificial sweeteners increase diabetes risk

Dr Upreti: A common misconception about blood sugar control is that artificial sweeteners are a safe replacement for sugar. These non-nutritive sugars—present in diet soda, low-fat snacks, and calorie-reduced foods—are prominently marketed as good for diabetics. Nevertheless, recent reports indicate that artificial sweeteners may indirectly influence insulin sensitivity, thus increasing the risk for diabetes. Although they don’t directly raise blood glucose levels, artificial sweeteners can alter the gut bacteria, which play a key role in regulating insulin function. Parallel to this, the shift towards fried and processed foods in India’s rapidly urbanising society is also playing a major role in the rise of diabetes. Fried foods, high in unhealthy fats (trans fats), promote abdominal obesity, which is recognized as a risk factor for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.

Processed foods fuel diabetes

Dr Upreti: Processed foods (i.e., pre-packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and convenience meals) are also a major contributor. Foods in this group are often high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars, which cause blood sugar levels to spike. Moreover, they are typically low in nutrients like fibre and vitamins, making them less beneficial for overall health. The eating pattern of high-calorie, low-nutrient food consumption and a sedentary lifestyle is creating the diabetes epidemic in urban settings where these types of food are easily obtainable and less costly. Although dietary patterns are important determinants for diabetes development, the early detection of the disease is very important for prevention and treatment. For a variety of reasons, diabetes sufferers do not show symptoms in the initial stage, but some early warning signals should not be overlooked.

Symptoms you shouldn’t overlook

Dr Upreti: Excessive thirst and polyuria (excessive urine production) are some of the earliest symptoms of diabetes. As blood sugar levels rise, the kidneys work overtime to filter the excess glucose, leading to increased urination and dehydration and as a consequence, the body starts to thirst for more water. Fatigue is another sign to watch for. When the body struggles to use glucose for energy, it begins to break down fat and muscle, leaving individuals feeling constantly tired.

Another symptom could be blurred vision. High blood sugar level may affect the lens of the eyes and reduce its power to focus. Slow healing of cuts and wounds is also a common indicator, as diabetes impairs the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue. In addition to this, unexplained weight loss, even with usual eating habits, can be indicative of the body’s dysfunctional ability to metabolize glucose, which causes muscle and fat to be used as fuel by the body in the absence of normal caloric intake.

Early diagnosis of diabetes has an important role in treatment and complication prevention. When you have the following symptoms, you should see a doctor for testing and diagnosis. With early intervention, lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing weight can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.