Myth: Sugar causes type 2 diabetes.
No, but…
Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disease characterized by a lack of insulin and/or the inability to properly use insulin. In other words, it is not caused by one factor. Instead, multiple factors (e.g. high blood pressure, lack of exercise, age, family history) can come into play in the development of this highly prevalent disease.
Even though sugar does not cause type 2 diabetes per se, long-term high consumption can indirectly contribute to the development of diabetes. Just think about how tough it must be for the pancreas to maintain a blood sugar rollercoaster stable. Moreover, too much high-sugar foods rimes with weight gain and we know all too well that being overweight or obese is a risk factor for diabetes. The fat that accumulates around the waistline is particularly dangerous.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends limiting free sugars intake to less than 10% of total calories. This amount represents roughly 50 g of sugar (12 teaspoons) based on a 2,000 calories diet.
Moral of the story: Enjoy sugar in moderation.
Reference:
Sugar, Heart Disease and Stroke. Heart and Stroke Foundation. URL Link. Published August 2014. Accessed September 21, 2016.
