When the food we eat is digested and converted into glucose, the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas helps it reach the body’s cells and turn it into energy. But when the production of insulin decreases, or the body is unable to use the insulin produced properly, glucose cannot enter the cells and accumulates in the blood. This condition is what we call diabetes or blood sugar. The fasting sugar level of a normal person should be less than 100 mg/dL and the postprandial sugar level should be less than 140 mg/dL. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind high blood sugar:
Insulin Resistance: The most important scientific reason for the development of Type 2 Diabetes is insulin resistance. In this condition, although the body produces enough insulin, the body’s cells do not respond to insulin (Insulin Resistance). As a result, the cells are unable to absorb glucose in the blood and the sugar level rises sharply.
Obesity & Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise and fat accumulation in the body, especially around the abdomen (Visceral Fat) are the main factors that cause insulin resistance. When fat accumulates in the body, the function of insulin receptors in the cells is disrupted. This puts excessive pressure on the pancreas to produce more insulin and leads to diabetes over time.
Genetics & Family History: Genetic factors play a major role in the development of diabetes. If parents or close relatives have diabetes, the next generation is more likely to develop the disease. Due to hereditary weakness of the beta cells in the pancreas, insulin production may decrease.
High Carbohydrate Diet: Excessive consumption of fast food, flour products, bakery products, sugary drinks, and refined sugar can lead to diabetes. Since the glycemic index of such foods is very high, a large amount of glucose is released into the blood immediately after eating them, causing a rapid increase in sugar levels.
Autoimmune disorders (Type 1 Diabetes): This is type 1 diabetes, which is usually found in children and young adults. In this, the body’s immune system completely destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, considering them as foreign objects. Due to this, there is no insulin in the body at all. Severe mental stress and lack of sleep increase the sugar level by increasing stress hormones in the body.