Diabetes cases in Indonesia have increased. This is due to several factors, including lifestyle and diet. (illustration: Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pixels.com).
Unesa. ac.id, SURABAYA—Many people think that diabetes mellitus is caused solely by consuming excess sugar. However, diabetes mellitus is not just a problem of sugar, but is the result of various factors that are closely related to disorders of carbohydrate metabolism and an unhealthy lifestyle.
This was conveyed by Desty Muzarofatus Sholikhah, lecturer in Nutrition Science, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Health (FIKK), Surabaya State University (UNESA). Desty said diabetes is caused by disorders of carbohydrate metabolism involving the pancreas and the insulin hormone.
The pancreas has an important role in producing the insulin hormone which functions to carry glucose to the body's cells as the main energy source. This glucose is obtained from daily food, especially those containing carbohydrates.
In healthy individuals, insulin works effectively to keep blood glucose levels stable. However, in diabetes sufferers, the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, or the insulin produced does not function properly.
"This causes glucose to remain in the blood and not be absorbed by the body's cells, so blood sugar levels become high," he added.
Many people only focus on sugar, even though simple carbohydrates from daily foods such as rice, bread and snacks that are high in carbohydrates also contribute greatly to increasing glucose levels. in the blood.
However, consumption of carbohydrates and sugar is not the only factor. Apart from diet, obesity or being overweight also affects insulin sensitivity. People who are obese are more susceptible to insulin resistance, because of inflammation in the body which affects carbohydrate metabolism.
"This chronic inflammation can interfere with the work of insulin so that glucose cannot be utilized optimally by the body," he added.
p>Desty emphasized that blood sugar levels in diabetes sufferers can remain stable by living a healthy lifestyle. For diabetes sufferers whose blood sugar levels are stable, daily sugar consumption should not exceed two tablespoons.
A Healthy Lifestyle is Key
Desty also highlighted that Actually, the human body does not need sweet foods specifically. The need for sweet foods is more often caused by personal desires than biological needs.
As an alternative to sugar, some diabetes sufferers choose natural sweeteners such as stevia. According to him, the use of stevia can indeed be a better choice for diabetes sufferers, but it must be used with caution.
"Even though stevia is considered safer, it is best to still manage your diet well and not depend on it. artificial or natural sweeteners in the long term," he added.
Regarding genetic factors, the Surabaya-born lecturer emphasized that genetic influence is not as big as lifestyle. Even if someone has a family history of diabetes, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
The culture of diet and physical activity in Indonesian society is also a factor influencing the increase in the number of diabetes sufferers. Sports culture has not really entered into daily habits. Many people still think that exercising is not important, and even activities such as walking are often taken for granted.
"Exercise is not just for fitness, but is also important for maintaining the body's metabolism and preventing insulin resistance. With regular exercise, "blood glucose levels can be more stable and insulin sensitivity can be increased," he explained.
The main key to preventing diabetes mellitus is a healthy lifestyle. This nutrition lecturer hopes that people will become more aware that diabetes is not just about sugar, but is also closely related to diet, physical activity and daily habits. [*]
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Reporter: Muhammad Dian Purnama (FMIPA)
Editor: @zam*
Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pixels.com
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