The Connection Between Added Sugar and Chronic Disease

Source: Steve Buissinne/Pixabay

In recent years, the rates of Americans with chronic diseases have significantly increased. What else has increased during this time period? The intake of added sugars.

Despite various government organizations warning Americans of the dangers that come with a diet high in added sugar, chronic diseases remain on the rise with no decline in sight. Epidemiological studies suggest that excessive consumption of added sugar in the diet is associated with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Let’s look at the role of sugar in each of these chronic diseases.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that results from the improper metabolism of sugar, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels. If blood sugars cannot be managed through the body’s normal physiological mechanisms, detrimental effects, including loss of eyesight, nerve damage, and kidney failure, can result.

How are type 2 diabetes and sugar linked? Whenever excessive consumption of foods rich in added sugars and calories is consumed in the diet, the risk of developing obesity increases. Research has shown a relationship between obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes. In other words, if added sugars are abundant in the diet, obesity is likely to develop, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease encompasses various diseases that impact the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. Excessive consumption of added sugar can play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is often caused by a build-up of plaque, which can block blood vessels in the body—this can be partly due to excess sugar. Similar to type 2 diabetes, the excessive consumption of added sugars can result in obesity. Obesity is a well-identified risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Cancer

In the United States, roughly 40 percent of cancers are associated with obesity. Cancer cells grow more rapidly than other cells in the body, and they love to use sugar for fuel. The relationship between the sugar from the diet and cancer needs to be further researched; however, there is a strong body of evidence that associates added sugars with cancer.

Sugar is a silent killer. The detrimental effects of sugar are not always obvious initially; however, over time, the excessive intake of added sugars can reduce your life span and result in chronic disease and illness. The negative health outcomes of added sugar don’t just stop with the chronic diseases discussed above. Excessive sugar intake may also result in an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, mental health conditions (anxiety, depression), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and premature death.

Although we cannot change the biology of our bodies, we can change our diet. Taking a look at the sources of added sugar in your diet is vital in the fight against both sugar dependence and chronic disease development. Making small, sustainable changes to reduce the intake of added sugars in your diet will yield positive benefits—such as decreasing your risk of developing chronic diseases.

This post is adapted from my new book, Sugarless: A Seven-Step Plan to Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curbs Your Cravings, and Conquer Your Sugar Addiction.