Does Sugar Cause Diabetes?

By Theresa

We’ve all heard the term before and probably know someone with the condition. But how much do you really know about diabetes? And why the heck should you even care? Diabetes affects more than 17 million Americans and 2 million Canadians today and the number is increasing. This condition has been linked to over 200,000 deaths a year in the US and can also lead to stroke, heart attacks and even blindness. Many people are borderline diabetics, or have what some experts call “pre-diabetes” due to a sedentary lifestyle and fatty diet.

Luckily for the majority of people out there, diabetes can be prevented with [*cringe*] exercise and a healthy diet. So what’s a sugar-loving couch potato to do? Well first, get off your gluteus maximus and get the old blood circulating already. But before you purge your household of all things sweet and fattening (aka delicious), read on…

Diabetes 101

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot regulate sugar (glucose) levels in the blood. Glucose is your energy source, the substance that puts the spring in your step. In a non-diabetic, insulin, a hormone produced from the pancreas helps transmit glucose from the blood into muscles, liver and fat cells to be used as energy. However, in a diabetic, the glucose simply stays in the blood which can damage tissues and organs.

There are 3 types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes
Approximately 5-10% of diabetics in the US has Type 1 diabetes. It is also known as juvenile-onset diabetes because most cases are detected in childhood or adolescence. Type 1 diabetics often require insulin injections as their pancreas cannot produce insulin.

2. Type 2 Diabetes
The most common type of diabetes, Type 2 affects approximately 85% of the diabetic population in North America. Traditionally, Type 2 is diagnosed in adults, however in recent years, an alarming number of adolescents have been diagnosed with this condition. Blame it on our technology-laden society and fast food outlets. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body does not effectively use the insulin that is produced. Experts say this type of diabetes is preventable through exercise, a healthy diet and weight control.

3. Type 3 Diabetes
Also known as gestational diabetes, Type 3 diabetes is a temporary condition occurring during pregnancy. However, women with Type 3 diabetes have a higher chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes tend to have larger infants.

Top 3 Myths About Diabetes

For such a common affliction, there are many myths associated with diabetes. The following are three of the most common inaccuracies:

Myth #1: Sugar causes diabetes.
Sugar itself does not cause diabetes. For Type 1 diabetics, sugar has nothing to do with it; the inability to produce insulin is the problem. With Type 2 diabetes, there is a link between being overweight and diabetes. Eating too much sugar causes weight gain, which in turn can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Therefore in the best interest of your health, it is wise to eliminate an excessively sweet diet.

Myth #2: I can’t eat any sugar if I’m diabetic.
Sugar can be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Of course diabetics will have to monitor their sugar levels more closely than non-diabetics. But everyone, diabetic or not, should regulate their sugar intake as part of a healthier lifestyle.

Myth #3: My child can outgrow diabetes.
Unlike a pair of pants, someone can’t outgrow diabetes. For people with Type 1 diabetes, the cells that produce (or in this case, can’t produce) insulin are permanently damaged. Unfortunately, children with Type 1 diabetes will always require insulin injections. Some kids with Type 2 diabetes may be able to stop taking their medication if they can lower their blood sugar levels to a healthy stage and stay active. Children with Type 2 diabetes must monitor their blood sugar and continually exercise to stay off diabetes medication.

What is Pre-Diabetes?

People on the verge of becoming diabetic have what is known as “pre-diabetes.” To fall under this category, a person’s blood sugar is higher than average, but still not high enough to be considered diabetic. It is estimated that 20% of the American adult population has pre-diabetes; this means they have a good chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within a decade.

Experts believe that many people may actually have diabetes but are unaware of the symptoms. To look out for the signs for yourself or a loved one, be aware of the following symptoms associated with diabetes:

Blurry vision
Extreme thirst
Abnormal weight gain or loss
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Cuts or infections that heal slowly

Live a Sweet Life: Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Habits

Let’s face it – everybody wants to eat what they want, when they want. Nothing beats a sumptuous meal with good friends and good conversation. If you make a conscious effort to live a balanced and healthy life, you can avoid the pitfalls of conditions associated with an inactive and unhealthy lifestyle, such as Type 2 diabetes.

You don’t need to be an athletic all-star on a “rabbit food” diet (aka salads) to lead a healthy life. As someone with a desk job who goes to the gym about twice a year, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to stay motivated. Here are a few ideas on eating and exercising right:

Walk whenever possible. Take the stairs, get off a few blocks before your stop, or go for a nice, leisurely stroll after a meal.
If you find that you often overeat, try reducing your portions by using smaller bowls and plates. A smaller plate that is heaping with food is psychologically more appealing than a half empty larger plate.
Drink lots of water between meals. Often people will snack on unhealthy foods when in reality their bodies are telling them they are thirsty.
Cut up fruits and vegetables so they are readily available when the hunger bug strikes. Hopefully this will help you avoid those chips and cookies in your pantry.