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While eating too much sugar alone may not cause diabetes, it can contribute to other risk factors that increase susceptibility.
Eating too much sugar does damage the skin
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. As per Indian Council of Medical Research India Diabetes (ICMR INDIAB) study published in 2023, the prevalence of diabetes is 10.1 crores. Over 50 per cent of people with the chronic health condition are unaware of their diabetic status, which could lead to health complications, thereby raising the need for early identification. The dilemma over the consumption of sugar and its harmful use has existed for a long time, and even today there are debates about the relationship between excessive consumption of sugar and the development of diabetes.
Increased sugar consumption can indeed be linked with obesity and other disorders of metabolism, but the connection is more complex than a simple cause and effect relationship with diabetes alone, and there are several other factors that comes into play as well.
Expert doctors highlight how sugar consumption impacts the human body in context of diabetes, especially the risks associated with it.
Understanding the link between sugar and diabetes:
“Diabetes, with special regards to Type 2 diabetes, is affected by a combination of environmental and hereditary risk factors. However, eating sugar-rich foods is not the single causative factor for diabetes. Rather, it is a key factor in one of the biggest causative factors – obesity. When there is high sugar in the body, there is a high chance that the body will grow too much fat. Fat growth corresponds closely with insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type diabetes. Sugar is not the only cause of diabetes however it does lead to increased obesity, thus increasing the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes in an individual.” said Dr Sonali Patange, Consultant Diabetologist, Dr Sonali Patange’s CGMS Specialty Diabetes Centre, Mumbai.
Sweetened beverages such as soda and sweetened juices have come under great focus due to its association with diabetes risk. These beverages often result in a rapid rise in blood sugar levels and are often associated with unhealthy eating patterns. A recent study published in the journal Diabetes Care indicates that those who consume sugary drinks frequently have a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than those who do not.
Eating solid food leaves people feeling full, so they are less likely to eat sugary drinks. As a result, people tend to overconsume calories without even being aware of it, explains Dr Ami Sanghvi, Consultant Diabetologist, Sanghvi Eye & Diabetes Care Centre in Dahisar East, Mumbai, “These calories in liquid form are absorbed quickly creating a surge of blood sugars. Such conditions are detrimental for the pancreas overtime as it generates more stress towards the organ. With time, it can lead to insulin resistance.”
Even though sugar is a factor, diabetes prevention is best approached through overall lifestyle management, including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Focusing on reducing added sugars and eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods is crucial. Limiting processed foods and sugary drinks can significantly reduce diabetes risk.”
Ultimately, while eating too much sugar alone may not cause diabetes, it can contribute to other risk factors that increase susceptibility. For those at risk, monitoring sugar intake, especially added sugars, is an essential step in managing long-term health.