NUTR-120-02 (20363.202501) on 2/11/2025 (Tue)

Announcements

• Midterm Exam Discussion

  • Grades posted on Friday, questions can be discussed on Wednesday, February 12th from 12:30 to 1:20 PM in Arts 200.

  • Opportunity to review individual exams and discuss study strategies.

• Course Discussion Group

  • Week three focus on nutritional supplements.

  • Common questions about supplements, their necessity, and which ones are advisable.

  • Important to find reputable, evidence-based information on supplements provided in course references.

Diabetes Overview

• Module Four Introduction: Focus on carbohydrates and fiber.

• Types of Diabetes:

  • Type One Diabetes: 5% of cases.

  • Type Two Diabetes: Increasing prevalence, significantly linked to chronic diseases and behavioral factors.

Diabetes Statistics

• Prevalence of Type Two Diabetes:

  • Now the majority of cases (95%). Previously 10% cases were Type One.

  • Increase in Type Two cases correlates with lifestyle choices and obesity rates.

Severity of Type Two Diabetes

• Health Risks:

  • Doubles the risk of heart disease.

  • Affects nerves, resulting in complications like neuropathy, vision loss, and kidney failure.

  • Importance of not normalizing diabetes prevalence—serious condition requiring awareness and action.

Risk Factors for Type Two Diabetes

• Gestational Diabetes:

  • Occurs during pregnancy, can be an indicator of future Type Two diabetes risk for the mother and child.

  • Physiological stress tests during pregnancy show increased glucose levels, indicating how well the body manages blood sugar.

Metabolic Function and Glucose Management

• Insulin and Glucagon: Key hormones in regulating blood glucose.

• The body's ability to manage blood glucose levels varies, with many individuals falling into prediabetic categories.

• Diabetes Mellitus:

  • Term derived from ancient observations of sweet-tasting urine due to high glucose levels.

Types of Diabetes Explained

• Type One Diabetes:

  • Autoimmune response results in little to no insulin production. Genetic predisposition may heighten risk following viral infections in infancy.

• Type Two Diabetes:

  • Characterized by insulin resistance. The body cells do not respond as they should to insulin.

  • Initially, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, leading to eventually exhausted beta cells.

• Treatment: Early intervention via weight management and exercise is crucial to reverse or manage diabetes onset.

Glycemic Response and Dietary Impact

• Glycemic Index:

  • Measures blood glucose response to foods. E.g., glucose leads to the highest peaks while whole foods with fiber result in lower peaks.

  • Snack Selection: High-sugar, refined foods do not satiate well, often leading to overconsumption.

Discussion on Sugars

• Fructose:

  • High-fructose corn syrup became popular in the 1970s, contributing significantly to sugar intake. Its consumption parallels rising obesity rates.

  • Fructose metabolizes differently—does not stimulate insulin or leptin production, but promotes fat synthesis in the liver.

Food Choices and Public Health

• Sucrose (Common Sugar):

  • Table sugar found in many processed foods; the only scientifically proven health risk is dental cavities.

  • Many myths exist regarding sugar's health effects, creating confusion in dietary recommendations.

Conclusion and Reminders

• Increased knowledge regarding sugars and carbohydrates, their health implications, and the importance of balanced diets with whole foods and fibers is essential.

• Continue monitoring dietary habits and glucose tolerance for better health outcomes.