Does Eating Too Much Sugar Cause Type 2 Diabetes?

Overconsumption of sugar is associated with many poor health effects, including weight gain and increased blood pressure. Too much sugar also increases a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but the link is not as clear as one might think.

How Sugar Contributes to Type 2 Diabetes

Overconsumption of sugar doesn’t cause diabetes, but it is considered a contributing factor to the disease. Eating too much sugar can cause a person to become overweight or obese, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, eating too much sugar can affect how the pancreas functions. Consuming sugar causes the pancreas to release insulin, which keeps blood sugar levels in check. When a person overconsumes sugar on a regular basis, the pancreas will need to constantly release insulin to keep up. At some point, the pancreas might not be able to keep up with the demand.

How to Decrease Your Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

When it comes to sugar intake, the recommended limit for women is 100 calories per day, while the daily recommended limit for men is 150 calories. Keep in mind that sugar can often turn up in surprising places, such as sauces and processed foods, so you must be vigilant about maintaining this limit. There are other steps you can take to lower your risk of diabetes, including:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise on a daily basis
  • Focus on healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, etc.)
  • Avoid processed foods and saturated fats

Following up with your doctor is also important, as a medical professional can determine whether you have any of the markers for prediabetes.

 

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