2023-11-14 04:53:00
Diabetes, almost 4 million Italians suffer from it
There are 3.9 million, or 6.6% of the population, Italians who suffer from diabetes. In recent years, treatments and awareness of the best ways to manage this disease have made great strides. There are many strategies that can be implemented by those who suffer from it. Sweeteners, for example, offer diabetics more food choices and can help with type 2 diabetes., as they do not raise blood glucose levels. Precisely for this reason, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day (14 November), the Italian Food Union – Sweeteners Group places emphasis on the importance of promoting the culture of these products through expert advice on how to use them best and correctly.
Diabetes in Italy, disease on the rise
Diabetes represents one of the most persistent pathologies of the century. The frequency of this disease is increasing everywhere and even in Italy the data is evolving negatively. According to the Italian Diabetes Barometer Report 2023, created by the IBDO Foundation, in 2022 the number of diabetics in Italy is increasing with 3.9 million affected subjects, or 6.6% of the general population. Since 2019 there has even been an increase of +14%, equal to 400 thousand more cases. The data are also increasing compared to the latest ISTAT estimates dating back to 2020, according to which diabetes affected approximately 6% of the population, or over 3 and a half million people. Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes, is the most frequent and accounts for 90% of diabetes cases. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, accounts for approximately 10%.
To date there are no methods to prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes, while it is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes, more widespread and which tends to develop in adulthood. Diabetes prevention can be achieved through various steps and changes in habits and is considered the most effective method to prevent the onset of this form of diabetes. The adoption of a healthy lifestyle and the constant monitoring of risk factors, through the early identification of people at risk and their involvement in prevention programs, are the key principles of this path.
“The relationship between sweeteners and diabetes has been the subject of numerous studies, reviews and meta-analyses,” declares Dr. Luca Piretta, gastroenterologist, nutritionist and professor of food allergies and intolerances at the Campus Bio Medico University of Rome. “It is clear first of all that low-calorie sweeteners do not negatively influence blood glucose and insulin levels, which makes them suitable for people with diabetes. They also allow people with diabetes to better manage carbohydrate intake while still enjoying foods and drinks that taste sweet but have fewer or no calories. Furthermore, controlled clinical studies demonstrate that sweeteners do not negatively impact glucose control or cardio-metabolic health, suggesting that incorporating recommended doses of these substances by reducing the amount of simple sugars consumed can support a healthy lifestyle, which is the main and ideal tool to prevent type 2 diabetes”.
The role of low or no calorie sweeteners, why are they useful?
Used in place of sugar in many foods and drinks to provide a sweet alternative with few or no added calories, sweeteners are ingredients that can be hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar. Very small quantities are therefore needed to impart the desired level of sweetness to foods and drinks. But how can they be useful to people with diabetes? While extremely sweeter, low-calorie sweeteners, in the context of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, offer diabetics broader food choices by providing the pleasure of sweet taste without raising blood glucose. Furthermore, by having no impact on blood sugar and insulin levels and providing no calories, they may also have a role in weight loss and control for people with type 2 diabetes. Also the European Food Safety Authority ( EFSA) confirmed that low or no calorie sweeteners used to replace sugars induce a lower increase in blood sugar after consumption than foods and drinks containing sugar.
Type 2 diabetes, 4 tips from experts to prevent it
Balanced nutrition – Following a healthy and balanced diet is essential. Reduce the consumption of foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars, also through the adoption of sweeteners, and adapt the intake of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to the Italian guidelines for a healthy diet[8] they are all valid solutions for controlling portions and avoiding overweight.
Regular physical activity – Try to dedicate at least 3 hours a week to regular, structured physical activity, such as walking, swimming or cycling. This must be combined with an increase in normal daily movement, for example preferring the stairs to the lift. Physical activity helps control weight by improving the ability of muscles to use insulin and absorb glucose.
Monitor blood sugar levels – People with a high risk of diabetes, such as those with a family history of type 2 diabetes, should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, so they can identify any changes early and take preventative measures. In addition to home glycemic control, general analyzes must also be carried out regularly in agreement with your family doctor, in particular with periodic checks of glycosylated hemoglobin.
Be careful with alcohol and smoking – Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking is therefore a fundamental recommendation. “Light” smokers are about 29% more likely to develop diabetes than non-smokers, and heavy smokers are at an even greater risk
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