Think Sugar Causes Diabetes? Think Again

“You probably got diabetes because you ate too much sugar.” If you have diabetes you have probably heard this; if you don't have diabetes you have probably said this. Sugar often gets blamed for this complex disease, yet the real causes are more about how the body processes insulin and other factors. In this article, I’ll explain why sugar isn’t the villain it’s made out to be and clear up some common misconceptions about diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin (Type 1) or can't effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2), leading to high blood sugar levels.

The Sugar Myth

Many people believe that eating too much sugar directly causes diabetes. This assumption is understandable because sugar is linked to blood sugar levels, but it’s an oversimplification.

Normally when someone eats sugar, glucose enters the red blood cells and is used for energy. However, in type 1 diabetes, the body’s pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. Insulin acts as a key to open red blood cells to allow glucose to go in. Without enough insulin, glucose isn’t able to go into the cells. However, glucose doesn’t stop coming. So, what happens? Glucose builds up dangerously in the bloodstream leading to high blood sugar levels.

In type 2 diabetes, the body produces sufficient insulin but the red blood cells are resistant to it. So, even though there is insulin, the red blood cells do not open for glucose which leads to glucose building up dangerously in the bloodstream. This also leads to high blood sugar levels.

Yes, consuming too much sugar is unhealthy and is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, however, it is not the cause.

What Really Causes Diabetes

The truth is, diabetes - especially Type 2 - doesn’t have a single cause. It’s the result of a mix of different factors such as:

• Genetics
• Diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Insulin resistance
• Other health conditions (e.g. PCOS)

It’s important to note that not everyone who is overweight or eats sugar will get diabetes, and not everyone with diabetes is overweight. The condition is complex, and blaming it solely on sugar is both misleading and harmful.

Why the Myth Is Harmful

Blaming sugar as the sole cause of diabetes might seem harmless, but it does real damage. It brings shame and blame to these people. Imagine having diabetes and constantly being blamed for it and told that you “shouldn’t have eaten that one piece of chocolate.“ They are already fighting this chronic condition and being told it’s their fault is exhausting, when it's a series of factors.

People should understand that chronic health conditions are constant, they are never ending. The constant exhaustion and fight never ends. Yes, there are days that are better than others but every moment is difficult, and others bringing in their assumptions and myths makes everything worse.

This myth also distracts others from the real causes of diabetes. It makes people think “I don’t eat a lot of sugar so I'll never get diabetes,” when in fact they could. Just because you don’t “fit the stereotype” doesn’t mean you'll never develop diabetes, because there is so much more to consider.

Most importantly, oversimplifying diabetes keeps people uninformed. Knowledge is the first step toward change.

How to Prevent or Manage Diabetes

If you don’t have diabetes, it’s essential to take steps to prevent it. If you have diabetes it is important to manage it to prevent further complications. The good news is that Type 2 diabetes is often preventable and manageable with the right habits.

Here are a few key steps:

• Eat balanced meals
• Stay active
• Manage stress and sleep
• Monitor health

Preventing and managing diabetes isn’t about cutting off sugar completely and only exercising; it’s about creating a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a misunderstood illness, and one of the biggest myths is that it’s simply caused by eating too much sugar. While diet does play a role, and too much sugar is not good, the truth is far more complex. It’s time we move past the sugar myth and start talking about diabetes with facts and empathy.

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