Understanding Diabetes Types and Causes, Chapter 8: Common Myths
Sugar Myths and Blood Sugar Facts
Sort common sugar myths from facts about how foods and diabetes types really work.
You can identify common myths about sugar and blood sugar and replace them with accurate information.
Not all sugar acts the same way. A sugary drink gives sugar with little else, so blood sugar rises fast.
Fiber is the part of plant food your body cannot fully digest. Fiber, protein and fat slow digestion, so blood sugar rises more gently.
A food that comes with fiber, protein or fat gives your body more to digest.
Sugar alone does not cause type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 starts when the body's defense system attacks the cells that make insulin. Diet does not cause it.
Type 2 has several causes, like genes, weight, activity and sleep.
Extra sugar, especially in drinks, adds to weight gain. It also adds to insulin resistance, which means cells respond poorly to insulin.
Over time, this raises type 2 risk. Sugary drinks are one piece of the picture, not all of it.
Your care team can help you look at your eating pattern as a whole.
Key takeaways
- Foods differ, since fiber, protein and fat slow the rise in blood sugar.
- Sugar alone does not cause type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Extra sugar, especially in drinks, can add to type 2 risk over time.
Try it
Pick one sweet food you often eat. Write down what you could eat with it that has fiber, protein or fat.