Overeating can Prove Harmful for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Overeating during a holiday get together could be harmful for people who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes, claims a new study.

Laila Tabatabai, M.D., an endocrinologist with Houston Methodist Hospital said that for someone who's not in good control of their diabetes throughout the year, if they have foods with too many carbohydrates or sugars during the holiday season, it could send their blood sugar levels into a dangerously high range.

People with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, but type 2 diabetes is a state of insulin resistance, which means that the body still produces insulin but does not utilize insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are often due to excess weight and obesity. The complications of poorly-controlled diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) include heart disease, vision loss, nerve problems, kidney damage, and ulcers of the feet, among other serious medical problems.

Tabatabai suggested that people should try to eat two or three special things that they only see during the holiday season like some special dessert and avoid sampling everything. She added that "white" carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, rice and potatoes should be avoided and substituted with whole grains, brown rice and fruits and vegetables and limit portion sizes.

Tabatabai also said that for those who chose to drink alcohol, a few adult beverages would be okay if alternated with water, seltzer, diet soda, etc.

Source: ANI