Contrary to the widespread belief that sugar is the main cause of type 2 diabetes, experts highlight that salty foods may play a significant role in raising blood sugar levels and contributing to diabetes. Dr. Vishakha Shivdasani, a lifestyle disease specialist, explains that while eating large amounts of sugar can lead to obesity and exacerbate existing diabetes, sugar alone is not the primary cause of the disease. Instead, she points to high consumption of salty, starchy foods like cereals, rice, chapatis, and processed snacks as potential contributors. These foods, though savory, contain carbohydrates that convert into sugar once digested, potentially leading to high blood sugar.
Diabetes results from the body’s inability to effectively manage blood sugar due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. Insulin, a hormone, helps transfer sugar from the bloodstream into cells. Dr. Shivdasani notes that salty foods, especially processed items, can have a compounding effect, as they may lead to insulin resistance indirectly by raising blood pressure and influencing the body’s fluid intake. Studies have shown that for every additional gram of sodium consumed daily, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes may increase by 43 percent. Furthermore, salty foods like bread, often overlooked as sources of sugar, contain substantial carbohydrates that covert into sugars upon digestion.
Other key risk factors for diabetes include obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, sleep disorders, and genetics. While reducing added sugars is beneficial, monitoring intake of salty processed foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are equally important in managing diabetes risk.
