Can Eating Too Much Sugar Cause Diabetes

Can Eating Too Much Sugar Cause Diabetes Dr. Travis Stork: It’s time for our Prevention Magazine Health Hearsay and today’s question is “Can eating too much sugar cause diabetes?” Liz Vaccariello: The answer is no, not in the same smoking gone way that cigarettes cause lung cancer but eating too much sugar can mean that you’re eating too many calories and gaining weight. Now that can set you up for higher risk of contracting type 2 diabetes. Dr. Travis Stork: So, if you’re eating too much sugar and you’re not exercising, that result in overweight. Can’t being overweight can cause you to develop type 2 diabetes which is having sugar in and of itself? Liz Vaccariello: No. There have been some studies that show they’re having sugary soft drinks, those raise your risk of a little bit but you shouldn’t avoid the healthful sugars that are found in many fruits for example and not worry too much about sugar; worry about your weight if you’re concerned about diabetes. Dr. Travis Stork: And the reason being overweight can actually cause diabetes, type 2 diabetes. If you look at this animation, your pancreas secretes insulin any time you have a high sugar meal. While in Type 2 diabetes, you become resistant to that insulin. The sugar basically bounces off the cell and it stays in your bloodstream causing high blood sugar which over time leads to blindness, kidney disease, so many major problems including heart disease. So, what should we do because obviously, we don’t want diabetes? Liz Vaccariello: Nobody wants diabetes. One in four Americans is pre-diabetic and doesn’t even know it. So, it’s all about maintaining a healthy weight and that’s about exercising, it’s about eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains and avoiding processed foods with a lot of sugar and a lot of calories. Dr. Travis Stork: So, that stays over there. Those are the bad sugars. Liz Vaccariello: So, not eating that and eating lots and lots of this. Dr. Travis Stork: So, these have sugars in them. Liz Vaccariello: Yeah and if you’re thirsty, go for water, milk, natural juices or tea and avoid the sugary sodas. Dr. Travis Stork: Well, that is today’s Health Hearsay. Thank you Liz. Liz Vaccariello: You’re welcome. Dr. Travis Stork: For more information, visit TheDoctorsTV.com or pick up a copy of Prevention magazine. Coming up, more tips to keep you in top form, my Doctor’s Orders are next.