Does Sugar Cause Diabetes?
People who often eat sweet foods do not automatically become diabetics. Diabetes, more specifically type 2 diabetes, is one of the most common lifestyle diseases of our times. People who are overweight and do little exercise have a significantly higher risk of developing this form of diabetes. Genetic factors, however, may also play a certain role.
According to the Austrian Diabetes Association1, the most effective means of preventing type 2 diabetes is a change in diet and physical activity. Diabetics can source between 45 and 60 % of their entire energy requirements in the form of carbohydrates. Preference should be given to vegetables, wholemeal products, pulses and fruit.
A complete avoidance of sucrose is no longer recommended but your sugar intake should not exceed 10 % of your diet. This is in line with the current WHO guideline (recommendation: 50g, restricted recommendation: 25g)2
1 Diabetes Mellitus, Practical Guidelines 2016
2 World Health Organization (2015): Sugar intake for adults and children