The way you chew can help patients with type 2 diabetes lower their glucose levels, reveals a new study.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes who have a full masticatory function may have significantly lower blood glucose levels compared to those with poor masticatory abilities.
The retrospective study, conducted at an outpatient clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, analyzed data from 94 patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants were divided into two groups based on their occlusal function, which refers to the ability to chew food effectively.
The first group consisted of patients with good occlusal function, characterized by proper tooth placement and contact, allowing efficient mastication. This group had a blood glucose level of 7.48.
On the other hand, the second group consisted of individuals who faced difficulties in chewing, due to missing teeth or poor masticatory function. His blood glucose level was noticeably higher, with 9.42almost 2% above the first group.
The link between chewing and diabetes stems from the process of digestion. Chewing stimulates the production of saliva and initiates the breakdown of food, facilitating the absorption of nutrients.
Proper mastication is particularly crucial for obtaining essential nutrients that help lower blood glucose levels, such as fiber. Additionally, chewing has been found to trigger reactions in the intestines, leading to increased insulin secretion and activating the hypothalamus, which promotes satiety and reduces food intake.
By consuming less, individuals have less likely to become overweight, a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.
Along with maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a nutritious diet and quitting smoking, researchers are now highlighting the association between chewing and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The study did not identify any variables that could affect the blood glucose levels of individuals.
Research indicates that even a 1% increase in blood glucose levels can be correlated with a 40% increase in mortality from cardiovascular or ischemic heart disease among individuals with diabetes. In addition, complications such as kidney disease, eye damage, neuropathy and delayed wound healing are associated with high blood glucose levels.
ZAP // 
