Complications from diabetes result from constant elevations in blood glucose, which damage the blood vessels and other tissues. Excess glucose in the bloodstream results in the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)—products formed when sugars react with and consequently damage proteins or fats in the body’s tissues, especially the blood vessels. AGEs are produced at an accelerated rate in diabetes and contribute to complications such as impaired wound healing, diabetic nephropathy, and atherosclerosis. In addition to the AGE produced in the body due to excess glucose, some can also come from the diet. Fried foods, meats, and dry cooked starchy foods (roasted/fried potatoes, bread, crackers, cookies, muffins and other baked goods, cold cereals, etc.) are high in AGEs.
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Joel Fuhrman
Author
Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times best-selling author and internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing. He specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods.
