Does Sugar Increase Your Risk for Diabetes?
- Pam Noonan, MS, RN, CDE
Question
Will eating too much sugar increase my risk for diabetes?
Answer
The short answer is no. There is no direct link between and eating too much sugar, but the question isn't as simple as it seems.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition caused by genetics and unknown environmental factors. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Obesity is one of those lifestyle factors.
Eating more calories than your body needs can lead to obesity. Reducing calorie intake by eliminating concentrated sugars, like sweetened beverages (sweetened teas and coffees, regular sodas, energy and sports drinks), can reduce weight and in turn, reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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