Today’s world lifestyle and way of living is straightforward and quick to do and no time for self care. People have stopped caring about the thing that they work day and night for, that is to earn to put food on their tables. Nowadays, people choose ready to eat food over freshly made with hygiene and care home- food and that is how ultra-processed foods have become a staple in many diets. From breakfast cereals to packaged snacks, sugary beverages, frozen meals, and fast food, these convenient products are often loaded with additives, refined ingredients, and artificial flavorings. These foods benefit with time, energy and efforts saving but cost the person the most important thing, that is life.
In today’s blog, we are going to present to you the effects and issues eating highly processed food can cost a person and some research proofs to back our statements as well.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
The term “ultra-processed food” refers to food products that have been significantly altered from their original form through industrial processing.
These foods foods include the commonly found items like refined sugars, crabs and flours, the artificial sweeteners and colours often present in drinks and sweet treats, the preservatives that are present nowadays in almost every packaged food items, hydrogenated oils, some flavours enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG), etc.
Some examples of such ultra- processed foods that are often low in essential nutrients but high in ingredients that are not necessary and even harmful for th body at a long- term are:
- Packaged cookies and pastries
- Instant noodles and soups
- Soft drinks and energy drinks
- Flavored yogurts
- Chicken nuggets and processed meats
- Frozen pizza and microwave-ready meals
What Is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels. It usually develops gradually and is strongly influenced by lifestyle factors, including diet, physical fitness and activeness of an individual, weight and obesity, genetics, etc. Type 2 mellitus can affect various other health sectors like heart, kidney, liver,etc., as well over time if left unmanaged and untreated.
The Link Between Ultra-Processed Food and Type 2 Diabetes
High in Refined Carbohydrates and Added Sugars
Ultra-processed foods are typically packed with refined carbohydrates and added sugars, which cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Frequent blood sugar surges can lead to insulin resistance—a major precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Low in Fiber
It is always advised that if you are taking any food that is high in glucose or sugar levels. It should be combined with fibrous food. The simple reason behind that is fiber helps to slow down the absorption of sugars by the bloodstream, which thus helps in better management of sugar by the body, improved insulin sensitivity and less ill effects of it to happen further. However, if you are taking a lot of fiber- deficient diet, then it can lead to
- Poor blood sugar control
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of diabetes
Promotes Weight Gain and Obesity
Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Ultra-processed foods are often designed to be hyper-palatable, meaning they trigger cravings and encourage overeating, which further lead to visceral fat accumulation in the body of a person. This fat surrounds the abdominal organ and leads to insulin resistance to develop in the body.
Increases Systemic Inflammation
Chronic low-grade inflammation is a key factor in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Ultra-processed foods contribute to this by:
- Elevating blood sugar and triglycerides
- Reducing antioxidant levels
- Introducing harmful compounds like advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and trans fats
Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) are often elevated in people consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods.
Scientific Evidence Supporting the Link
The NutriNet-Santé Study (France)
This large-scale cohort study involving over 100,000 adults found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was significantly associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Even after adjusting for BMI, physical activity, and socioeconomic factors, the risk remained elevated.
Harvard School of Public Health
Research from Harvard indicates that individuals who consume one or more sugary beverages per day have a 26% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who rarely consume them.
Meta-Analysis Reports
Multiple meta-analyses have concluded that diets high in ultra-processed foods are linked with:
- A 15–30% increased risk of diabetes
- Greater incidence of metabolic syndrome and hypertension
A proper management of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus includes first looking for a Diabetes clinic near me to get the first hand diagnosis and treatment started, then a well planned and disciplined lifestyle with necessary precautions can ensure a better quality of life with long years of living.
Author: Akshay Sharma
Akshay Sharma is a social media marketing enthusiast and has written many topics in the related field. He loves to write and read about latest technology trends.
