**2. Diet**

Unhealthy food rich in saturated fatty acids, refined carbohydrates, and sweets cause obesity and DM. Three major dietary toxins that trigger diabesity are cereal grains (especially refined flour), omega-6 industrial seed oils (corn, cottonseed, safflower, and soybean), and fructose (high-fructose in corn syrup). These nutrients in excessive quantities increase the risk of obesity and diabetes, especially if there is genetic risk. These dietary factors increase inflammation and act as potential risk factors for diabetes. A recent study showed that a diet with an omega 6:3 ratio of 28 (meaning 28 times more omega-6 than omega-3 fats) increased obesity in mice in experimental studies [1, 2].

Fructose is found primarily in fruits, vegetables, and sweeteners. Fructose is shunted directly to the liver where it is converted to fat. Excess fructose consumption causes a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is directly linked to both diabetes and obesity. Shifting 25% of dietary calories from glucose to fructose caused a fourfold increase in abdominal fat. Abdominal fat is an independent predictor of insulin sensitivity, impaired glucose tolerance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride. Fructose reacts with polyunsaturated fat and protein to form advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). A donut is the perfect diabesity food. It has refined flour, trans-fatty acids, and plenty of high-fructose corn syrup.
