The prevalence of diabetes has been rising. In the year 2000, about 10% of the population had diabetes. By 2018, that number reached 14.3%. An additional 35% of all US adults are prediabetic, meaning that they are having challenges managing their blood sugar. Without dietary adjustments, most prediabetics transition to diabetes.
These numbers should not be taken lightly, because the combination of prediabetics and diabetics is almost 50% of all adults in the US. Poor blood sugar control is unfortunately common, and without adjustments to how we eat this issue will continue to worsen.
One of the necessary changes is our diet. Yet change at the individual level is notoriously difficult – we are conditioned to repeat similar habits from day-to-day, and most of our habit triggers involve things in our environment. Reducing sugar intake is not easy, but it is considered one of the most important adjustments for slowing the progression and complications of diabetes.
When blood sugar rises, it damages blood vessels. These are the pipelines that carry oxygen and nutrients to all cells, so when they fail, many body systems can be affected. Diabetes also causes blood sugar levels that damage cells of the nervous system. When blood sugar is high, it can be four-fold higher in these cells and is toxic. Together with blood vessel damage, this toxic effect of sugar damages the retina, harming vision. Diabetes is the top cause of adult vision loss.
Through blood vessels and nervous system damage in the kidneys, diabetes has become the top cause of kidney failure. Similarly, damage from diabetes is among the top cause of adult cases of blindness. Diabetes also accelerates the progression of heart disease and fatty liver disease.
Other issues that affect how we think and feel result from diabetes-induced inflammation. Brain cells are more inflamed in those with poor blood sugar regulation, and this may be why diabetics have more than twice the risk of depression and their cognitive decline rates are two- to four-fold greater than those who have good blood sugar regulation.
All these health issues threaten quality of life, highlighting the importance of regular screenings.
The US Preventive Service Task Force has recently urged for more diabetes awareness and regular screening to detect those who have and are at risk for diabetes. Their systematic review concluded that all adults aged 35 to 70 years who are overweight or obese should have blood tests, even if they have no current blood sugar-related symptoms. This number of individuals to screen is high, because at least 74% of adults are overweight or obese in the US, based on data from 2018.
The earlier diabetes is detected, the better able we may be to halt or even reverse its course. The reason for this is that lifestyle modifications are very effective for managing blood sugar. Habits that support better blood sugar include more movement throughout the day, regular exercise, and adjusting the diet. A reduction in added sugars in the diet and less ultra-processed food can help the body keep blood sugar in a healthier range. When these lifestyle adjustments are made, the symptoms of diabetes are greatly alleviated. In some cases, diabetes and depression have even been reversed by healthy habits, especially with plenty of support.
For many years, public healthy experts have called for the early intervention of healthier habits for all. They caution against waiting till a person has a diabetes diagnosis to begin addressing blood sugar. Digital health support has been effective at helping to reduce diabetes risk factors, and many are ready and eager to change their health trajectory.
Given the need for proactive health options, Treo has created support members to achieve the Better Blood Sugar health goal. Gradual and self-paced approaches to better habits can help individuals improve their health, one day at a time. Empathetic coaching from dedicated health coaches is also available as an option that provides more encouragement and accountability.
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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