What is gestational diabetes. How does it affect pregnancy. Who is at risk for developing gestational diabetes. How is gestational diabetes diagnosed. What are the potential complications of untreated gestational diabetes. How can gestational diabetes be managed during pregnancy. What is the long-term outlook for those who have had gestational diabetes.

Understanding Gestational Diabetes: A Temporary but Significant Condition

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that affects a significant number of pregnancies, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating its occurrence in 2% to 14% of pregnancies in the United States. This temporary form of diabetes develops during pregnancy, typically between the 24th and 28th weeks, and is characterized by high blood sugar levels.

While gestational diabetes usually resolves after childbirth, it’s crucial to understand its implications for both mother and child. Developing GDM doesn’t necessarily mean you had diabetes before pregnancy or will have it afterward, but it does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Key Facts About Gestational Diabetes

• Occurs in 2-14% of pregnancies in the US
• Typically develops between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy
• May not cause noticeable symptoms
• Increases risk of future type 2 diabetes
• Can affect both mother and baby if not properly managed

The Silent Nature of Gestational Diabetes: Recognizing Potential Symptoms

One of the challenges with gestational diabetes is that it often doesn’t present obvious symptoms. This is why routine screening during pregnancy is so important. However, in some cases, women may experience mild symptoms that could indicate gestational diabetes.

Are there any telltale signs of gestational diabetes. While rare, some potential symptoms include:

• Unusual fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Recurrent yeast infections

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with normal pregnancy changes. Therefore, they shouldn’t be relied upon for diagnosis. Regular prenatal check-ups and glucose screening tests are the most reliable ways to detect gestational diabetes.

The Underlying Mechanisms: How Gestational Diabetes Develops

To understand gestational diabetes, we need to delve into the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. During this time, the body produces larger amounts of certain hormones, including human placental lactogen (hPL) and others that increase insulin resistance.

How does hormonal change during pregnancy lead to gestational diabetes. The process unfolds as follows:

1. Hormonal changes cause natural insulin resistance
2. This resistance ensures more glucose is available for the developing fetus
3. If insulin resistance becomes too strong, blood glucose levels may rise abnormally
4. The body may not be able to produce enough insulin to counteract this resistance
5. This results in elevated blood sugar levels, leading to gestational diabetes

This delicate balance between insulin resistance and production is crucial for understanding why some women develop gestational diabetes while others don’t.

Risk Factors: Who’s More Likely to Develop Gestational Diabetes?

While any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, certain factors can increase the risk. Understanding these risk factors can help in early identification and management of the condition.

What factors increase the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. Key risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Family history of diabetes
• Being overweight before pregnancy
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive weight gain during pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Previous birth of a baby weighing over 9 pounds
• History of gestational diabetes in past pregnancies
• Unexplained miscarriage or stillbirth
• Use of steroids like glucocorticoids
• Conditions associated with insulin resistance (e.g., PCOS, acanthosis nigricans)

It’s important to discuss these risk factors with your healthcare provider early in your pregnancy to determine the most appropriate screening and management plan.

The Role of Ethnicity and BMI in Gestational Diabetes Risk

Research has shown that the risk of gestational diabetes varies across different racial and ethnic groups. This variation persists even when accounting for body mass index (BMI), suggesting that other factors may be at play.

How does ethnicity influence the risk of gestational diabetes. A 2019 study in Los Angeles revealed the following prevalence rates:

• 15.5% in Asian American women
• 9.0% in Hispanic women
• 10.7% in non-Hispanic Black women
• 7.9% in non-Hispanic white women

Interestingly, the study found no evidence that cultural assimilation (acculturation) affected these rates. However, it’s crucial to note that such studies have limitations and may not account for all relevant factors such as environmental, behavioral, genetic, and socioeconomic influences, as well as access to healthcare.

The relationship between BMI and gestational diabetes risk is complex. While the risk generally increases with higher BMI across all ethnic groups, studies have found an increased risk even among Asian and Hispanic women with low BMIs.

Additionally, the CDC reports that non-Hispanic Black women have the highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes compared to all other racial and ethnic groups. This underscores the importance of continued monitoring and preventive care after pregnancy for all women who have had gestational diabetes, with particular attention to those in high-risk groups.

Screening and Diagnosis: Detecting Gestational Diabetes

Given the potential risks associated with gestational diabetes, routine screening is crucial. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that doctors screen all pregnant women for gestational diabetes, typically between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed. The process usually involves two steps:

1. Glucose Challenge Test:
   • You drink a glucose solution
   • After one hour, your blood glucose is tested
   • If levels are high, you’ll proceed to the next test
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test:
   • You fast overnight
   • Your fasting blood sugar is tested
   • You drink another glucose solution
   • Your blood sugar is tested at 1, 2, and 3 hours after drinking the solution

If two or more blood sugar readings are higher than normal, you’ll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. It’s important to remember that this diagnosis doesn’t mean you did anything wrong; it simply means your body is having trouble processing glucose efficiently during pregnancy.

Managing Gestational Diabetes: A Team Approach

Once diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the focus shifts to management. The goal is to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby.

What strategies are used to manage gestational diabetes. Management typically involves a combination of:

• Blood sugar monitoring
• Dietary changes
• Regular physical activity
• Insulin therapy (if necessary)

Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a personalized management plan. This team may include your obstetrician, an endocrinologist, a dietitian, and a diabetes educator. Regular check-ups and adjustments to your plan will be necessary throughout your pregnancy.

Dietary Modifications

A key component of managing gestational diabetes is maintaining a balanced diet. Your healthcare team will likely recommend a meal plan that helps control your blood sugar while ensuring you and your baby get the nutrients you need.

What dietary changes can help manage gestational diabetes. Some general guidelines include:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Focusing on complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index
• Incorporating lean proteins and healthy fats
• Limiting sugary foods and drinks
• Monitoring portion sizes

Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate carbohydrates but to choose the right types and amounts to keep your blood sugar stable.

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity can help your body use insulin more effectively, lowering your blood sugar levels. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing any exercise regimen during pregnancy.

What types of exercise are safe for women with gestational diabetes. Generally safe options include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Prenatal yoga
• Stationary cycling

Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week, but always listen to your body and stop if you feel uncomfortable.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Implications

While gestational diabetes can be effectively managed, it’s important to understand the potential complications that can arise if blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled.

What are the risks associated with unmanaged gestational diabetes. Potential complications include:

• For the mother:
  • Increased risk of cesarean delivery
  • Higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life
  • Increased risk of gestational diabetes in future pregnancies
• For the baby:
  • Macrosomia (excessive birth weight)
  • Shoulder dystocia during delivery
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after birth
  • Increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life

These risks underscore the importance of proper management and close monitoring throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Long-Term Outlook

For most women, blood sugar levels return to normal shortly after delivery. However, having gestational diabetes does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

How can women who’ve had gestational diabetes reduce their risk of future diabetes. Key strategies include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
• Breastfeeding (which can help reduce the risk for both mother and child)
• Regular check-ups and diabetes screenings

Your healthcare provider will likely recommend follow-up testing at 6-12 weeks postpartum and regular screenings thereafter to monitor for the development of type 2 diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Outlook

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce the insulin it needs during pregnancy. People with this condition develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, some people may develop high blood sugar levels. This condition is known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes typically develops between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates gestational diabetes occurs in 2% to 14% of pregnancies in the United States.

If you develop gestational diabetes, it doesn’t mean you had diabetes before your pregnancy or will have it afterward. But developing it does raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

If poorly managed, gestational diabetes can also raise your child’s chance of developing diabetes. It can increase the possibility of complications for you and your baby during pregnancy and delivery.

It’s rare for gestational diabetes to cause symptoms. A doctor may test for gestational diabetes if you have certain risk factors.

If you do experience symptoms, they’ll likely be mild. Diabetes symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• blurred vision
• excessive thirst
• excessive need to urinate
• yeast infections

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body cannot produce the insulin it needs during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body produces larger amounts of some hormones, including:

• human placental lactogen (hPL)
• other hormones that increase insulin resistance

These hormones affect your placenta and help sustain your pregnancy. Over time, the amount of these hormones in your body increases. They may start to make your body resistant to insulin, the hormone that regulates your blood sugar.

Insulin helps move glucose out of your blood into your cells, where it’s used for energy. In pregnancy, your body naturally becomes slightly insulin resistant so more glucose is available in your bloodstream to be passed to the baby.

If the insulin resistance becomes too strong, your blood glucose levels may rise abnormally. This can cause gestational diabetes.

You may have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes if you:

• have high blood pressure
• have a family history of diabetes
• were overweight before you became pregnant
• are not physically active
• gain a larger than typical amount of weight during pregnancy
• are expecting multiple babies
• have previously given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• have had gestational diabetes in the past
• have had an unexplained miscarriage or stillbirth
• have been taking steroids, like glucocorticoids
• have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), acanthosis nigricans, or another condition associated with insulin resistance

Research data on race and ethnicity

The risk of gestational diabetes rises with an increase in body mass index (BMI) across racial and ethnic groups. But people with both high and low BMIs can get gestational diabetes.

Still, in studies, it has been found that even in cases of low BMI among people who are Asian and Hispanic, there is an increased risk of gestational diabetes.

Additionally, though People of Color are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes, non-Hispanic Black women have the highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes than all racial and ethnic groups, according to the CDC.

A 2019 study compared the rate of gestational diabetes in Asian women to women of other ethnic backgrounds in a group of 5,562 women who had participated in a previous study in Los Angeles. Researchers also looked at whether cultural assimilation (acculturation) had any impact on the outcome.

None of the participants had type 1 or type 2 diabetes before pregnancy. Researchers adjusted for the known risk factors of the condition.

Study results showed the following prevalence rates:

• 15. 5% of Asian American women
• 9.0% of Hispanic women
• 10.7% of non-Hispanic Black women
• 7.9% of non-Hispanic white women

No evidence suggested other factors, including acculturation, affected the rates of gestational diabetes.

However, studies that discuss gestational diabetes and use race and ethnic differences for clarity can be limited. Additional research is still needed to consider environmental, behavioral, genetic, and socioeconomic factors as well as access to healthcare.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages doctors to routinely screen pregnant people for signs of gestational diabetes.

If you have no known history of diabetes and optimal blood sugar levels at the beginning of your pregnancy, a doctor will likely screen you for gestational diabetes when you’re 24 to 28 weeks pregnant.

Glucose challenge test

Some doctors may begin with an oral glucose challenge test.

First, you’ll drink a glucose solution. After 1 hour, you’ll get a blood test. If your blood sugar level is high, a healthcare professional may perform a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test. This is considered two-step testing.

Some doctors skip the glucose challenge test altogether and only perform a 2-hour glucose tolerance test. This is considered one-step testing.

1-step test

1. A doctor will start by testing your fasting blood sugar levels.
2. They’ll ask you to drink a solution containing 75 grams (g) of glucose.
3. They’ll test your blood sugar levels again after 1 hour and 2 hours.

A doctor will likely diagnose gestational diabetes if you have any of the following blood sugar values:

• fasting blood sugar level greater than or equal to 92 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
• 1-hour blood sugar level greater than or equal to 180 mg/dL
• 2-hour blood sugar level greater than or equal to 153 mg/dL

2-step test

1. For the two-step test, you will not need to fast.
2. A healthcare professional will ask you to drink a solution containing 50 g of sugar.
3. They’ll test your blood sugar after 1 hour.

If the value falls below 135 mg/dL, the results are considered to be acceptable. A doctor will not perform any more tests.

If your blood sugar level ranges between 130 and 140 mg/dL, a doctor may recommend a second test on a different day. The cut-off for this range may depend on your risk factors.

1. During the second test, a doctor will start by testing your fasting blood sugar level.
2. They’ll ask you to drink a solution with 100 g of sugar in it.
3. They’ll test your blood sugar 1, 2, and 3 hours later.

A doctor will likely diagnose gestational diabetes if you have at least two of the following values:

• fasting blood sugar level greater than or equal to 95 mg/dL or 105 mg/dL
• 1-hour blood sugar level greater than or equal to 180 mg/dL or 190 mg/dL
• 2-hour blood sugar level greater than or equal to 155 mg/dL or 165 mg/dL
• 3-hour blood sugar level greater than or equal to 140 mg/dL or 145 mg/dL

Many people who experience gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes outside of pregnancy. There are two other types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: This occurs if the pancreas does not naturally produce enough insulin on its own.
• Type 2 diabetes: This occurs if the pancreas produces insulin but your cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, called insulin resistance. This causes your blood sugar to rise.

The ADA also encourages doctors to screen for type 2 diabetes at the beginning of pregnancy. If you have risk factors for type 2 diabetes, a doctor will likely test you for the condition at your first prenatal visit.

These risks factors include:

• being overweight
• being sedentary
• having high blood pressure
• having low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood
• having high levels of triglycerides in your blood
• having a family history of diabetes
• having a history of gestational diabetes, prediabetes, or signs of insulin resistance
• having previously given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds

According to the CDC, being an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native person may also increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The CDC also notes that some Pacific Islanders and Asian American people may also have a higher risk.

Gestational diabetes is divided into two classes:

• Class A1 is used to describe gestational diabetes that can be managed through diet alone.
• Class A2 is used to describe gestational diabetes where insulin or oral medications are needed to manage the condition.

If you receive a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, your treatment plan will depend on your blood sugar levels throughout the day.

In most cases, a doctor will advise you to test your blood sugar before and after meals. They’ll also advise managing your condition by eating a nutrient-rich diet and exercising regularly.

It’s recommended to perform 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 5 to 7 days per week.

If a doctor encourages you to monitor your blood sugar levels, they may provide you with a glucose-monitoring device.

A doctor may also prescribe insulin injections for you until you give birth. Ask them about properly timing your insulin injections in relation to your meals and exercise to avoid low blood sugar.

A doctor can also tell you what to do if your blood sugar levels fall too low or are consistently higher than they should be.

A balanced diet can help manage gestational diabetes. In particular, people with gestational diabetes can pay special attention to their carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake.

The CDC recommends working with a dietitian to develop a nutritious eating plan or following meal plans, such as the plate method.

You may also need to avoid certain foods if you have gestational diabetes.

Carbohydrates

According to a 2020 review of literature, the ADA, along with the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, recommends all pregnant people eat a minimum of 157 g of carbohydrates and 28 g of fiber per day.

For people with gestational diabetes, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends eating complex carbohydrates over simple ones. Complex carbs are digested more slowly, are less likely to produce high blood sugar, and may help reduce insulin resistance.

A doctor can help you determine exactly how many carbohydrates you should eat each day.

Health-promoting carbohydrate choices can include:

• whole grains
• brown rice
• beans, peas, lentils, and other legumes
• starchy vegetables
• low sugar fruits

Protein

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of protein during pregnancy varies by trimester and may vary based on your individual needs.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the RDA is about 46 g of protein per day. During the second and third trimesters, it’s about 71 g per day.

Good sources of protein can include:

• lean meats
• poultry
• fish
• tofu

However, ACOG lists certain types of fish that should be avoided due to their high mercury content, including tuna and swordfish.

Fat

Healthy sources of fat can provide nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Health-promoting fats to incorporate into your diet include:

• unsalted nuts
• seeds
• olive oil
• avocado

If gestational diabetes is not managed well or left untreated, blood sugar levels may remain higher than they should be throughout your pregnancy. This can lead to complications that affect the health of you and your baby before, during, and after birth.

Complications that can affect you may include:

• high blood pressure
• preeclampsia
• perinatal depression
• preterm birth
• stillbirth
• cesarean delivery

Complications that can affect your baby can include:

• high birth weight (macrosomia)
• birth injuries, such as shoulder dystocia
• breathing problems, including respiratory distress syndrome
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• higher risk of developing diabetes later in life
• jaundice

To avoid these complications, you can take steps to manage your gestational diabetes. For example, attend all of your prenatal care checkups and follow a doctor’s recommended treatment plan.

Your blood sugar should return to typical levels after you give birth. But developing gestational diabetes raises your risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. A doctor will test you for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after your baby is born, and again every 1 to 3 years.

Taking steps to prevent type 2 diabetes can also help prevent associated complications.

It’s not possible to prevent gestational diabetes entirely. However, changing your lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing it.

If you’re pregnant and have one of the risk factors for gestational diabetes, aim to eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise. Even light activity, such as walking, may be beneficial.

If you’re planning to become pregnant in the near future and have overweight or obesity, consider talking with a doctor about ways to safely lose weight while preparing for a pregnancy.

A doctor can help you create a plan to reach and maintain a moderate weight. Even losing a small amount of weight can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

Furthermore, it’s important to seek prenatal care and attend all doctor-recommended visits to get the necessary screenings and evaluations during your pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce the insulin needed during pregnancy, resulting in high blood sugar.

If you have gestational diabetes, a doctor may recommend changes to your diet along with blood sugar monitoring to help manage the condition. In some cases, you may need insulin injections.

In many cases, if you have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your blood sugar should return to your typical levels after you give birth. However, you may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

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I Got A Random Blood Sugar Of 154 – My Random Blood Sugar Level

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I got a Random blood sugar of 154

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My random blood sugar level came to 154 after 1 hr 15 minutes of eating breakfast. Is this alarming?. Im not under any medication but have a sedantry lifestyle with very less physical exercise. I do eat healthy though and avoid sugar and oil.

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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Hormonal Imbalances

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not the best in the world. But what really?

Photo: Daria Selenskaya / City portals

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As soon as mankind had olive and sunflower oil, there was a debate about which one is better. Recently, the palm among supporters of a healthy lifestyle has been pulled out by olive, and sunflower has remained on the sidelines of a healthy diet. But defenders of sunflower oil assure: this is nothing more than the tricks of marketers. So who is right and which oil is actually healthier? There is only one way to figure it out – ask the doctors.

Olive oil owes much of its popularity to the Mediterranean diet, in which olive oil is one of the main ingredients. In 2010, this diet was included in the list of intangible UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But, in addition to historical value, it has several other merits: help in the fight against obesity, heart and vascular diseases, and an increase in life expectancy as a result. Various studies show that people who adhere to the canons of the Mediterranean diet are more likely to become centenarians. It is clear that all this is due to more than just olive oil.

— This meal plan has certain principles and rules. This is the use of a large number of seasonal vegetables, fruits, berries, moderate consumption of starchy vegetables, which are complex carbohydrates, says dietitian Irina Toropygina. – Dairy products are also consumed with an average fat content, in small quantities, with an emphasis on sour-milk products. Fish and seafood are often consumed. The use of boiled white and red meat – no more than 100-120 grams per meal. Cooking methods – steam, stew, boil, bake. Frying is not recommended. Such general principles are suitable for a healthy and proper diet.

Irina Toropygina — dietitian, specialist in functional integrative nutrition, DNA testing specialist.

But it would be wrong to say that olive oil appeared in the Mediterranean diet only because its authors did not have sunflower at hand.

– Olive oil contains the main antioxidant – vitamin E. It protects the body from the effects of free radicals – substances formed under the influence of sunlight, cigarette smoke, air pollution and radiation. It is with these harmful substances that our liver is forced to fight, says gastroenterologist Galina Bartashevich. Olive oil also protects the nervous system from Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

Galina Bartashevich — gastroenterologist of the highest category, pediatric gastroenterologist, nutritionist, candidate of sciences.

Infographics: Vitaly Kalistratov / City portals

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Among other things, olive oil contains omega-9 – oleic acid, which helps lower blood sugar levels and fight “bad” cholesterol. Omega-3 in its composition helps to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, and vitamin K fights blood clotting and lowers the content of prothrombin (a high level of prothrombin can indicate polycythemia, thromboembolism, malignant neoplasms and the threat of a heart attack).

Infographics: Vitaly Kalistratov / City portals

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But, like any other product, olive oil has its own “harmful” properties. True, they are mainly associated with abuse. If you spoon it every day, instead of benefiting you, you risk getting overweight, low blood pressure and low blood sugar. In addition, patients with cholecystitis and those who are prone to allergic reactions should be treated with caution.

The benefits and harms of sunflower oil largely depend on the level of its purification. Unrefined oil undergoes minimal processing, except that it is filtered to remove heavy impurities. And such oil is usually eaten raw – for example, added to salads.

Infographics: Vitaly Kalistratov / City portals

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But refined oil, before getting to our tables, goes through the procedures of hydration, deodorization, freezing and bleaching. As a result of all these manipulations, it is cleared of harmful substances and free fatty acids, and it can be fried in such oil.

— Sunflower oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which help lower blood cholesterol levels, says Irina Toropygina. – It also contains vitamins A, D, E, F. It normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the endocrine system, helps cleanse the liver, and prevents the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

Infographics: Vitaly Kalistratov / City portals

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Sunflower oil, just like olive oil, can be harmful only when there is too much of it in the diet. The recommended daily serving of sunflower oil is 2-3 tablespoons. More will lead to problems with being overweight. Otherwise, there are no direct contraindications to its use, but you should be more careful if you have food intolerance, diabetes, pathologies of the liver, gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract.

Rancid sunflower oil that has deteriorated due to improper storage (for example, due to being in the sun for too long) can be dangerous. And certainly you should not fry in the same oil several times: with repeated heating of the same portion of oil, carcinogens are produced, and this increases the likelihood of cancer.

In the story of sunflower and olive oil, we are once again faced with the fact that “only one dose makes the poison invisible.” In general, any vegetable oil is primarily a high-calorie product. Secondly, questions arise for him regarding cholesterol, the growth of which is affected by an increase in adipose tissue. Inflammatory factors increase the synthesis of not only total cholesterol itself, but also low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides. In parallel, this reduces the ability to burn fats and use them as energy. And if we eat too many calories, generously adding vegetable oil to salads to make it more beneficial, then we get fat.

But there is one more thing worth paying attention to.

“Olive oil is the champion among products for the content of harmful end products of glycation, which accelerate aging and contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases,” says endocrinologist Zukhra Pavlova. – The human body can process an average of 15 thousand units per day. And the lion’s share of AGE is produced by the body itself, in the process of life. So, in 100 grams of CNG olive oil – 11 900 units, while in unrefined sunflower – three times less, 3940 units.

Zukhra Pavlova – doctor – endocrinologist-andrologist, candidate of medical sciences.

The doctor notes that olive oil is well absorbed, but there are fewer polyunsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in it than in other oils. At the same time, unrefined sunflower oil, for example, has the highest content of vitamin E compared to other oils, which is responsible for the youth, beauty and condition of the reproductive system of women – from 46 to 60 milligrams per 100 grams.