A recent study revealed a significant relationship between chewing function and blood glucose levels, noting that Type 2 diabetes patients with full chewing function have significantly lower blood glucose levels than those with impaired chewing ability.
According to SciTech Daily, researchers found that chewing stimulates processes contributing to reduced blood glucose levels. They observed that patients with full chewing function have significantly lower blood glucose levels than those with impaired chewing ability.
The study participants were divided into two groups: the first group included patients who had good occlusal function, and its blood glucose level was 7.48. The second group could not chew well, if at all, and their blood glucose level was almost 2 percentage points higher.
According to the study, when you sit down at a picnic table with family and friends, chewing may be the last thing on your mind. However, it is the first step of digestion, the process by which your body extracts nutrients from food, as it stimulates the production of saliva. Nutrients that are important to reduce blood glucose levels include fiber, which is obtained in large part through chewing appropriate foods.
Chewing also has been reported to stimulate reactions in the intestine that lead to increased insulin secretion and promote a feeling of satiety, resulting in less food intake. Eating less decreases the likelihood of becoming overweight, which is a major risk factor for developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Source: Qatar News Agency