The relationship between sugar consumption and diabeteshas been an indispensable topic of conversation in family conversations for years. But when science comes into play, things change a bit.

Let’s put this myth under a scientific lens and excessive sugar consumption in childhood Let’s see if it really increases the risk of diabetes.

First of all: what is diabetes?

Basically, diabetes is a condition that occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than they should be. a metabolic disease and there are two types of this disease: diabetes type 1 and type 2.

diabetes type 1, It usually occurs in childhood or adolescence and is caused by the immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The “sugar eating” situation here is completely flawless, so how much sweets you ate as a child has no direct relationship with type 1 diabetes.

type 2 diabetes It is generally related to lifestyle and genetic factors. It starts with the formation of insulin resistance and the body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels.

The biggest factors that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes are: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, overweight (obesity). In addition, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, damage to the pancreas, and long-term use of some medications can also cause type 2 diabetes.

What is the role of sugar here?

When excessive sugar is consumed – especially processed and refined sugars Including this: Weight gain may occur. In this case, insulin resistance is activated and the risk of type 2 diabetes increases.

However, sugar cannot be proven as a direct cause of diabetes, i.e. consuming sugary foods in childhood only It won’t make you diabetic. The risk increases with a combination of a long-term unhealthy lifestyle and other factors.

What does scientific research say?

According to reliable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), there is excessive sugar consumption indirectly associated with diabetes. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks and high-calorie foods can increase the risk of obesity and pave the way to diabetes.

Moreover, in another study, regularly consumption of carbonated drinks It shows that it can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 20%. But the key point here is that the ‘calorie surplus’ and ‘obesity’ factor is not directly sugar.

Research into type 1 diabetes clearly shows the cause of this disease immune system disorder and it has no direct relationship with sugar consumption.

In light of this information, is there any reason to panic? No, but!

Of course we have to be careful because it does not cause diabetes. After all, we say that it is not direct. Therefore our children healthy habits It is necessary to earn.

Choosing water instead of sugary drinks, staying away from processed and packaged foods, reading labels carefully, choosing natural alternatives such as fruit, Adopting an active lifestyle, managing stress, and paying attention to sleep patterns are among the most important things you should do.

A few pieces of chocolate or ice cream you ate as a child won’t give you diabetes, but that doesn’t mean unlimited eating! Everything is beautiful in his decisionright?

For your health: