The effect of fast food on diabetes and blood sugar

Diabetes

Common ingredients in fast foods and their effect on blood sugar Fast foods have found a special place in the diet of many people due to their quick and easy consumption, good taste and reasonable price. But these types of foods are usually a combination of processed foods and rich in certain compounds that have a significant negative effect on health, especially on the blood sugar regulation system and diabetes. In the following, the most important of these compounds and their effect will be discussed. ### Simple carbohydrates and hidden sugars: Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, but the type and quality of carbohydrates consumed are very important. Due to high processing, fast foods often contain simple carbohydrates or hidden sugars that are quickly absorbed by the body and cause a sudden increase in blood sugar. - **Simple carbohydrates:** These carbohydrates include refined sugars such as glucose, fructose, sucrose and processed starches that are quickly digested and absorbed. White breads, sweet sauces, hamburger buns, French fries and other fast food items are usually rich in these carbohydrates. - **Hidden Sugars:** Added sugars, commonly found in beverages, sauces, and processed foods, are added to food in the form of regular sugar or high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). These sugars are hidden in fast foods and their consumption leads to a rapid rise in blood sugar. **Effect on blood sugar:** These carbohydrates cause a rapid increase in blood sugar after a meal, which in turn stimulates the secretion of insulin in large amounts. This sudden and frequent increase in blood sugar puts a lot of pressure on the pancreas and can gradually lead to dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells and reduce the body's ability to produce insulin. ### Trans and saturated fats: Fats are also a big part of fast food, especially unhealthy fats that have adverse effects on metabolic health. - **Trans fats:** These types of fats are usually produced artificially in the process of hydrogenation of oils and are found in many fried foods and baked fast food products. Trans fat increases LDL (bad cholesterol) and decreases HDL (good cholesterol) and increases chronic inflammation in the body. - **Saturated fats:** These fats are mostly found in high-fat meats, butter, cheese and other fast food animal products. High consumption of saturated fat can contribute to increased blood lipids, weight gain and inflammation. **Effect on blood sugar and diabetes:** High consumption of trans and saturated fats increases inflammation in the body, which is one of the key factors in insulin resistance. These types of fats can disrupt the function of insulin receptors and reduce the sensitivity of cells to insulin, so the body is forced to produce more insulin to control blood sugar, which in the long run leads to the exhaustion of beta cells and type 2 diabetes. ### Sodium and harmful additives: Sodium (salt) is one of the minerals found in fast food in large quantities. In addition to salt, chemical additives such as preservatives, flavorings, and stabilizers are also commonly used in these foods. - **Sodium:** High consumption of sodium can increase blood pressure, which itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. High blood pressure is also associated with diabetes and can make it more difficult to control blood sugar. - **Chemical additives:** Preservatives, artificial flavors and other additives in some fast foods may cause inflammation, disrupt the gut microbiome, and disrupt hormonal balance. **Effect on insulin resistance:** High sodium and these additives can increase oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which lead to disruption of insulin signaling pathways. Also, high sodium causes water retention and weight gain, which is one of the causes of insulin resistance. ### Effect of fast food ingredients on insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is a state in which the cells of the body lose their sensitivity to the insulin hormone and insulin is not able to properly control blood sugar levels. Unhealthy ingredients in fast foods, such as simple carbohydrates, trans and saturated fats, and high sodium, increase insulin resistance in different ways: - **Chronic inflammation:** Repeated use of these substances activates inflammatory pathways, which over time leads to the destruction of insulin receptors and a decrease in the sensitivity of cells. - **Obesity and accumulation of fat in the organs:** Unhealthy fats and high calories in fast foods cause weight gain and especially fat accumulation in the abdominal area. These fats are the production site of inflammatory cytokines that increase insulin resistance. - **Disruption in the metabolism of lipids and glucose:** Unhealthy fats cause disturbances in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and disrupt the body's energy balance. - **Disturbance in the function of pancreatic beta cells:** The pressure caused by the increase in blood sugar and insulin resistance damages the insulin-producing cells and reduces the ability to produce enough insulin. Fast food and the risk of type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a disease that is caused by a malfunction in the production and function of insulin, and one of the most important factors in its development is improper nutrition and wrong lifestyle. Fast foods with high calories, unhealthy fats and simple sugars play a significant role in increasing the incidence of this disease. The high consumption of these foods in different societies has caused the prevalence of type 2 diabetes to increase day by day. ### The role of obesity caused by fast food in increasing the risk of diabetes: Fast foods are very high in calories and are usually full of saturated and trans fats, which lead the body to gain weight, especially abdominal obesity. This central obesity causes the release of inflammatory substances in the body, which reduces the sensitivity of cells to insulin and creates insulin resistance. Insulin resistance, meaning the body cannot use insulin effectively, is one of the key factors in the development of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, excessive consumption of fast food causes obesity, followed by an increase in the risk of diabetes. ### The mechanism of blood sugar increase caused by frequent consumption of fast food: Eating fast food that contains simple carbohydrates and a high glycemic index causes a rapid increase in blood sugar. This sudden increase in sugar forces the pancreas to produce more insulin to control blood sugar. But this repeated pressure on the pancreas gradually reduces the ability to produce insulin. In addition, the unhealthy fats in fast foods cause chronic inflammation and dysfunction of insulin in cells. Also, the accumulation of fat in organs such as the liver and muscles increases insulin resistance and disrupts the blood sugar control process. Negative changes in the gut microbiome caused by an unhealthy diet also play a role in increasing inflammation and insulin resistance. ### Scientific findings and valid studies worldwide: Extensive and valid global studies have clearly shown that regular consumption of fast food has a direct and significant relationship with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. For example, the Nurses' Health Study, which followed more than 100,000 women over several decades, found that people who ate more fast food were 30% more likely to develop diabetes. Cohort studies and multiple meta-analyses have also confirmed this connection and have shown that even one extra serving of fast food per week can significantly increase the risk of developing the disease. Research at the molecular level has also proven that trans fats activate inflammatory pathways that exacerbate insulin resistance. Animal studies have also confirmed the same harmful effects. Effect of fast food on blood sugar control in diabetics People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes must be very careful with their diet to keep their blood sugar levels under control and avoid complications. Fast food consumption in this group can have significant negative effects on blood sugar control, which causes serious problems both in the short term and in the long term. In the following, these effects and challenges related to the management of diabetes treatment after consuming fast food are discussed. ### Short-term effects: severe fluctuations in blood sugar Eating fast foods, which usually contain simple carbohydrates and a high glycemic index, cause a rapid and sudden increase in blood sugar after a meal. In diabetics, these sudden fluctuations can be very dangerous. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) after consuming fast food leads to feeling tired, very thirsty, increased urination and even in severe cases, diabetic coma. On the other hand, to compensate for this rapid increase, injecting insulin or taking oral medications may lead to a sudden and severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), whose symptoms include dizziness, tremors, excessive sweating, and even unconsciousness. These fluctuations in blood sugar decrease the quality of life, anxiety and stress of patients and make accurate control of blood sugar difficult. ### Long-term effects: worsening disease control Frequent and long-term consumption of fast food in diabetics aggravates blood sugar control problems. These foods with their unhealthy ingredients, in addition to causing severe fluctuations, gradually increase insulin resistance and reduce the effect of drugs. This causes the person's diabetes to progress and the need for more drugs or higher doses of insulin. Also, fast foods lead to weight gain and obesity, which itself is one of the aggravating factors of diabetes and cardiovascular complications related to it. In the long term, this condition can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage, diabetic neuropathy, eye problems, and heart disease. ### The challenge of managing the dose of insulin and drugs after consuming fast food One of the biggest problems faced by diabetics when dealing with fast food is the difficulty in adjusting and managing the dose of insulin or oral medications. Due to the presence of complex carbohydrates, high fats and additives in fast food, it is very difficult to predict blood sugar levels after a meal. The high fat in these foods delays the digestion and absorption of sugar and may raise blood sugar a few hours after eating. This makes insulin administration more complicated and increases the possibility of errors in injecting the correct dose. In addition, frequent consumption of fast food can change the body's response to drugs and requires constant review of the patient's treatment plan. All these factors increase the stress and worry of patients and reduce the effectiveness of disease control. Is fast food completely forbidden for diabetics? One of the common questions among people with diabetes is whether they should completely avoid fast food or not. The answer is that fast foods are generally not recommended for diabetics due to their unhealthy ingredients and negative impact on blood sugar, but an absolute ban is not always necessary. In fact, with conscious choices and moderation, diabetics can sometimes enjoy healthier fast foods or modified versions without compromising their blood sugar control. ### Introduction of healthier or replaceable types of fast food: In recent years, restaurants and fast food outlets have shown more attention to the health of consumers and have added healthier options to their menus. For example, using whole-wheat bread instead of white bread in sandwiches slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, resulting in better blood sugar control. Also, choosing low-fat proteins such as skinless chicken, fish, or plant-based foods containing protein instead of high-fat meats will reduce the negative effects of fast food. Adding fresh vegetables and limited use of high-fat and salty sauces and seasonings also help to make these foods healthier. These simple but effective changes can make fast food more tolerable for diabetics. ### Tips for choosing wisely in fast food stores: For people who sometimes have to eat fast food, following some key points can reduce the negative effect of these foods on blood sugar. The first point is to carefully study the food menu and the available nutritional information so that they are aware of the amount of calories, sugar and fat in the food. Also, choosing foods with a lower glycemic index and smaller volume helps to better control blood sugar. It is very important to avoid sugary drinks such as soft drinks and industrial juices that are high in sugar. Adding fresh vegetables to the meal and avoiding fatty and salty sauces are also essential tips. Eating food with healthy proteins also helps to slow down the absorption of blood sugar and prevent sudden sugar fluctuations. ### Moderation in consumption and portion control: Even with healthier options, the most important principle for diabetics is moderation in fast food consumption. Excessive and frequent consumption of any type of fast food can lead to serious problems in blood sugar control and disease progression. It is recommended to consume fast food as a side dish and occasionally, not as a daily or weekly main meal. Also, accompanying fast food with a balanced diet and regular physical activity can reduce its negative effects. Continuous control of blood sugar before and after consuming fast food also helps patients to understand their body's reaction and take necessary measures. Finally, working closely with your doctor and dietician to adjust medications and modify your diet is key to successfully managing fast food consumption. **fast food; A decisive choice in the path of the health of diabetics** Fast foods with high-calorie ingredients, simple carbohydrates, unhealthy fats and chemical additives have a direct and indirect effect on increasing blood sugar and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Frequent consumption of these foods causes obesity, insulin resistance and dysfunction of insulin-producing cells, which creates a vicious cycle in blood sugar control. For diabetics, fast food can lead to severe fluctuations in blood sugar and difficulty in managing medications and accelerate the deterioration of the condition. But with smart choices, moderation and careful control of meals, you can reduce the negative effects of these foods and have a better quality of life. Ultimately, awareness, education and lifestyle changes are the keys to defeating fast food in diabetes health and can pave the way for a healthier future for those at risk. **To receive a visit (online or in person) with Dr. Yazdan Panah, fill out the form below**