Not chewing food properly can have surprising effects on your health, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes. When you don’t chew your food thoroughly, it can lead to larger food particles entering the digestive system. This can cause uneven digestion and affect blood sugar levels. Proper chewing aids in breaking down food into smaller particles, which helps the digestive enzymes work more efficiently and promotes better absorption of nutrients. Insufficient chewing can also result in overeating, as it takes longer for the brain to signal satiety. Overeating can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, both of which are risk factors for diabetes. To support optimal digestion and reduce diabetes risk, focus on chewing food slowly and thoroughly, which can improve nutrient absorption and help manage portion sizes.