Intuitive Eating: A Potential Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body becomes incapable of effectively regulating blood sugar. There are two types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to make insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot respond to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows blood sugar to enter the cells, providing them with the energy they need to function. Thus, lack of insulin can cause severe complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, and depression. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, ensure that their blood sugar levels are within normal ranges. This can be achieved through medications and lifestyle modifications.
Many diets have shown to be effective at managing diabetes, such as the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and low carbohydrate diet. However, diets are often looked down upon, and the term “diet culture” has been introduced in the media to highlight obsession with dieting and weight loss. An alternative approach to eating, intuitive eating, promotes anti-dieting, listening to hunger cues, body acceptance, and health-enhancing behaviors. Intuitive eating has generally been used to treat people with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder, and disordered eating. Research has also shown that intuitive eating can reduce one's risk of being overweight, as well as having high cholesterol and blood pressure. However, there is a lack of research regarding how intuitive eating can affect type 2 diabetes.
Many diets have shown to be effective at managing diabetes, such as the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and low carbohydrate diet. However, diets are often looked down upon, and the term “diet culture” has been introduced in the media to highlight obsession with dieting and weight loss. An alternative approach to eating, intuitive eating, promotes anti-dieting, listening to hunger cues, body acceptance, and health-enhancing behaviors. Intuitive eating has generally been used to treat people with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder, and disordered eating. Research has also shown that intuitive eating can reduce one's risk of being overweight, as well as having high cholesterol and blood pressure. However, there is a lack of research regarding how intuitive eating can affect type 2 diabetes.
In a balanced diet, one should consume whole grains, fruits, and plenty of vegetables. Even foods that are often demonized, such as treats and sweets, can be enjoyed in moderation in a healthy diet. Listening to hunger and satiety cues, eating nourishing foods, and exercising are all practices encouraged by intuitive eating.
Image Source: "Good Food Display - NCI Visuals Online" by the National Cancer Institute is licensed under the public domain
A study conducted in Brazil aimed to bridge this knowledge gap on treating diabetes with intuitive eating. The researchers recruited individuals over the age of twenty that had type 2 diabetes. The pool of participants was also screened for other health conditions that could potentially affect the results of the study, such as eating disorders, alcoholism, and other psychiatric conditions. The study tracked each individual’s average level of blood sugar, also called glycemic control, by measuring their hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C). They also measured where each participant fell on the intuitive eating scale, ranging from low intuitive eating behaviors to high intuitive eating behaviors. The researchers found that a higher intuitive eating score was correlated with better glycemic control, meaning healthier blood sugar levels.
While the study shows some interesting correlations, it also has several limitations. Firstly, it did not establish a causal relationship between intuitive eating and better glycemic control. As such, it is hard to determine if intuitive eating truly impacts glycemic control in those with type 2 diabetes. Secondly, it was unclear what intuitive eating score should be considered significant on the scale that was used in the study. Most importantly, the study used a cross-sectional design rather than an experimental one, so it cannot be concluded that the participants were engaging in true intuitive eating.
Therefore, as of now, there is no strong evidence supporting intuitive eating as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. But future studies should continue to research this potential area of treatment. However, a balanced approach to eating and food should be fostered, especially for those at risk for disordered eating and eating disorders.
While the study shows some interesting correlations, it also has several limitations. Firstly, it did not establish a causal relationship between intuitive eating and better glycemic control. As such, it is hard to determine if intuitive eating truly impacts glycemic control in those with type 2 diabetes. Secondly, it was unclear what intuitive eating score should be considered significant on the scale that was used in the study. Most importantly, the study used a cross-sectional design rather than an experimental one, so it cannot be concluded that the participants were engaging in true intuitive eating.
Therefore, as of now, there is no strong evidence supporting intuitive eating as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. But future studies should continue to research this potential area of treatment. However, a balanced approach to eating and food should be fostered, especially for those at risk for disordered eating and eating disorders.
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