We recently hosted an eye-opening conference titled “Beyond Diabetes: Sugar’s Impact on Cardiovascular Health,” featuring two leading experts: Dr. Dana Sfeir, a specialist in vascular medicine at The French Clinic and Mediclinic city hospital in Dubai, and Asmaa Lahlou, a certified naturopathic chef and co-founder of MyAuthentikSpoon.
The event explored how sugar impacts cardiovascular and metabolic health, providing practical solutions to prevent and reverse its harmful effects.
The hidden dangers of sugar: insights from Dr. Dana Sfeir
Dr. Dana commenced the conference by spotlighting the alarming global rise in type 2 diabetes.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m thrilled to discuss a topic that’s not only timely but crucial for our collective health,” she began. “Over half a billion people worldwide are living with diabetes, and projections show this number could reach 700 million in the next two decades.”
Diabetes is a rapidly growing global epidemic. Without collective and individual efforts to implement effective weight loss strategies—centered on balanced, anti-inflammatory diets and regular exercise—the number of diabetes cases will continue to rise at an alarming rate.
She emphasized that type 2 diabetes is more than just elevated blood sugar levels—it’s a catalyst for severe vascular complications.
“Diabetes is a serious, chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin or when the body can’t effectively use the insulin it produces,” Dr. Dana explained. “This leads to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, which, over time, damages the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.”
Using a vivid analogy, Dr. Dana likened the body’s arterial system to an irrigation network:
“Imagine your arteries are like irrigation pipes supplying water to a field of grass,” she illustrated. “If the pipes are clogged, the grass doesn’t get the water it needs and starts to wither. Similarly, when our arteries are blocked due to plaque buildup from excess sugar, cholesterol and inflammation, our organs don’t receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients.”
She delved into the mechanics of how excess sugar leads to arteriosclerosis:
“Hyperglycemia sets off a chain reaction of chronic inflammation and lipid accumulation in the arterial walls,” she said. “This not only narrows the arteries but also makes them less flexible, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even limb amputations.”
Dr. Dana stressed that the most effective strategy against these risks is proactive prevention through lifestyle changes citing a recent study published in July 2024 in the atherosclerosis journal.
“The best prevention is lifestyle modification,” she asserted. “Small, consistent changes to your habits can dramatically reduce your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Regular medical consultations are essential. Knowing your health status allows for early detection and timely intervention.”
Reversing sugar’s impact: practical strategies from Asmaa Lahlou
Taking the baton, Asmaa Lahlou shared her transformative personal journey from prediabetic symptoms to robust health.
Asmaa Lahlou, a certified naturopathic chef and co-founder of MyAuthentikSpoon, combines 20+ years of change management experience with expertise in gut health, sustainable food choices, and helping people lose weight. She promotes a method loved and recommended by many for its health benefits and positive impact on overall well-being.
“Nine years ago, I decided to take control of my health,” she revealed. “With a family history of diabetes and its complications, I knew I had to act. I started with a sugar-free challenge, which not only helped me lose 10 kilograms but also revitalized my energy and wellbeing.”
Asmaa emphasized that reversing the effects of excess sugar is entirely achievable through practical, sustainable changes.
“It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress,” she encouraged. “Small, deliberate changes can have a profound impact on your health.”
Understanding insulin resistance
She broke down the concept of insulin resistance in simple terms:
“When we consume too much sugar, our cells become overwhelmed and start ignoring insulin’s ‘knock’ at the door,” Asmaa explained. “This leads to excess sugar in the blood, which the body then stores as fat, particularly around vital organs—a dangerous type of fat known as visceral fat.”
Reducing hidden sugars
Asmaa highlighted the prevalence of hidden sugars in everyday foods:
“Sugar hides in plain sight—in sauces, dressings, and even so-called ‘healthy’ snacks,” she warned. “Learning to read labels is the first step. Be mindful of ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup and other added sugars.”
Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet
She advocated for a diet rich in nutrients and low in inflammatory foods:
“Fill your plate with proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables,” Asmaa advised. “Foods like salmon, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens help stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation.”
She shared enticing examples to illustrate that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste:
“You can enjoy delicious meals like quinoa meatballs, cauliflower salads, and even a healthy cheesecake made with natural sweeteners,” she said, showcasing images of colorful, appetizing dishes.
Supporting detoxification
Asmaa stressed the importance of aiding the body’s natural detox processes:
“We are not only what we eat but also what we don’t excrete,” she noted. “Supporting liver function through a detoxifying diet helps eliminate toxins that contribute to inflammation.” To learn more, check out our previous article on the importance of DETOX done right.
Incorporating physical activity
She underscored the role of regular movement in enhancing insulin sensitivity:
“Physical activity is crucial,” Asmaa stated. “Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. This doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym daily—even a brisk 30-minute walk can make a significant difference.”
Managing stress and prioritizing sleep
She highlighted the often-overlooked impact of stress and poor sleep on health:
“Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can lead to increased blood sugar and insulin resistance,” Asmaa explained. “Find what calms you—be it meditation, yoga, or simply deep-breathing exercises. And don’t underestimate the power of quality sleep for recovery and hormonal balance.”
A holistic approach to wellness
Both Dr. Dana and Asmaa emphasized that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to health.
“Everyone is unique,” Dr. Dana affirmed. “What works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to tailor lifestyle changes to your individual needs and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.”
Asmaa agreed, adding:
“Understanding your body is key. Support is available, and you’re not alone on this journey. Small steps, taken consistently, lead to significant changes over time.”
They encouraged attendees to leverage available resources and seek support when needed.
“Our community at MyAuthentikSpoon offers tools, recipes, and wellness programs to guide you,” Asmaa mentioned. “Don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Interactive Q&A session
The conference concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where attendees asked pressing questions.
One participant inquired about the role of artificial sweeteners in managing sugar intake.
“Artificial sweeteners can actually exacerbate insulin resistance,” Asmaa responded. “They trick your taste buds and can disrupt your gut microbiome. It’s better to opt for natural sweeteners like stevia in moderation.”
Another attendee asked about the significance of regular medical check-ups.
“Regular consultations are vital,” Dr. Dana emphasized. “They help in early detection of risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, which are modifiable with the right interventions.”
Final thoughts
The conference highlighted sugar’s profound impact on cardiovascular health and emphasized the importance of consistency and lifestyle in mitigating these risks. Combining medical expertise with actionable strategies, Dr. Dana Sfeir and Asmaa Lahlou delivered a comprehensive roadmap to achieving and maintaining better health.
“With the right support and consistency, it’s never too late to make a positive change,” Dr. Dana concluded.
Asmaa left the audience with an empowering message:
“Every meal is an opportunity to choose health. Don’t let past habits dictate your future.”
About the author
Meet Nabil, the co-founder and COO of MyAuthentikSpoon, an online plateform dedicated to helping people make better food choices for stronger wellbeing. If you’re ready to tackle wellness with a fresh perspective, schedule a complimentary private consultation with our expert naturopathic coach to receive personalised dietary insights and weight management strategies. This is your opportunity to have your questions answered and to learn how to incorporate the food choices into your lifestyle and achieve a better wellbeing.
