Type 2 diabetes has become one of the most pressing health concerns of our time, impacting over 38 million Americans and growing steadily year after year (CDC, 2024). But why is it so common now—when just a few generations ago, it was considered rare?
The answer lies in how our diets and lifestyles have shifted dramatically over the past several decades.
The Rise of the Standard American Diet (SAD)
The Standard American Diet—often abbreviated as SAD—has become the norm for many households across the U.S. It’s characterized by high intakes of ultra-processed foods, refined grains, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, while being low in fiber, whole fruits and vegetables, and healthy proteins. According to a 2022 study published in The BMJ, ultra-processed foods now account for over 60% of daily caloric intake in the U.S., with strong links to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. These foods are often stripped of nutrients and fiber, leaving behind highly digestible carbohydrates and refined sugars that spike blood sugar and insulin levels.
How Processed Foods Drive Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance—the root cause of type 2 diabetes—develops when cells stop responding properly to insulin, the hormone that helps shuttle glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells for energy. When we consume diets high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars, especially over long periods, our bodies are forced to pump out more and more insulin to manage rising blood sugar. Eventually, this constant overproduction leads to insulin resistance—where the body can no longer keep up, and blood sugar levels remain chronically elevated (NIH, 2022).
A Perfect Storm: Sedentary Lifestyle + Overconsumption
In addition to dietary shifts, the last 50 years have seen a steep decline in physical activity. From more sedentary jobs to screen-heavy leisure time, our daily movement has decreased dramatically. This matters because muscle tissue plays a major role in glucose uptake, and regular activity improves insulin sensitivity (Harvard Health, 2023). Pair that inactivity with food engineered to be hyper-palatable—think sweet, salty, and rich in flavor enhancers—and we end up consuming more calories than our bodies can use. The result? A steady rise in obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and ultimately, type 2 diabetes.
The Bigger Picture: Environmental and Economic Factors
It’s also important to recognize that our food environment contributes significantly to this epidemic. Ultra-processed foods tend to be:
- Cheaper and more accessible than whole foods
- Aggressively marketed, particularly to children and lower-income communities
- Designed to be addictive, triggering brain pathways similar to those activated by substances like nicotine and alcohol
In short, the way food is produced, sold, and consumed in modern society sets us up for chronic disease.
What We Can Do
While the statistics may feel discouraging, the good news is that type 2 diabetes is largely preventable—and often reversible—with lifestyle changes. Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, reducing ultra-processed products, moving your body regularly, getting quality sleep, and supporting metabolic health can make a profound difference.
If you’re concerned about your blood sugar, feeling tired or foggy, or simply ready to improve your metabolic health, let’s talk.
Ready to Take Control?
If this post resonates with you—maybe it’s your diet, energy, or family history of diabetes—book a free call with me. We’ll explore what’s going on and how you can take practical steps toward lasting health.
Click here to schedule your call – I’d love to help you get clear, feel better, and move forward with confidence.