Can Sugar and Chocolate Cause Diabetes? The Facts

Does eating sugar or chocolate cause diabetes? Find out what the evidence says about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, blood glucose and diet.

It's an understandable question. Diabetes involves high blood sugar, so it can seem as though eating sugar must be what causes it. 

The reality is more complicated: eating sugar or chocolate does not directly cause diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, and it is not caused by eating sweets or by someone’s lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Its causes are complex, and no single food is responsible. Diabetes UK

That does not mean diet is irrelevant. Sugary foods and drinks can contain a lot of calories. If someone regularly consumes more energy than their body needs, this can contribute to weight gain; living with overweight or obesity is one factor associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Sugar-sweetened drinks are also linked with increased risk. 

But that is different from saying that a bar of chocolate, or sugar on its own, causes diabetes.

Chocolate can still affect blood glucose levels in someone who already has diabetes. It contains carbohydrate, including sugar, which can raise blood glucose. The amount and effect will depend on the chocolate, portion size and the person. That is why people managing diabetes may find it helpful to check food labels and follow advice from their diabetes care team. Having diabetes does not automatically mean that all sweet foods must be banned.

For everyone, cutting down on sugary drinks and limiting foods high in free sugars can support a balanced diet and help protect dental health. The NHS advises that too much sugar can contribute to weight gain and tooth decay. It is sensible to look at overall eating habits rather than blaming one food. NHS

So, can sugar and chocolate cause diabetes? Not directly. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by diet, and type 2 diabetes has several contributing factors. 

Frequent sugary drinks and a diet that contributes to weight gain may play a part in risk, but chocolate alone is not the explanation.

If you are worried about your risk or have symptoms such as unusual thirst, passing urine more often or unexplained weight loss, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test, so it is better to get checked than to try to diagnose yourself. nhs.uk

Shock Figures Reveal 96% of us Aren't Getting Enough!

Millions of adults and children in the UK are falling short of the recommended amount of fibre in their diets. Government figures cited by Linwoods Health Foods suggest that 96% of adults consume too little, with average daily intake at just 16g, around half the recommended 30g.

The picture is similar among young people: 96% of 11 to 18-year-olds are also said to be missing the daily recommendation. 

Linwoods is highlighting this “fibre gap” with GP, author and television doctor Dr Amir Khan, who says that small, sustainable changes to everyday eating can help.

“Fibre is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet, yet the vast majority of adults in the UK aren’t getting enough of it,” Dr Khan told That's Health.

“Small changes to our everyday eating habits can make a real difference.”

Fibre supports digestive health and feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut. It can also help people feel fuller for longer. Higher fibre intake has been associated with a lower risk of conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer, making it an important part of a balanced diet.

Linwoods says the average adult is around 14g short of the recommended daily amount. Its new Boost range includes Fibre Boost, designed to be added to foods people already enjoy. A 20g serving provides 8g of fibre: 4g soluble and 4g insoluble. Stir it into porridge, yoghurt, smoothies or savoury dishes, following the pack instructions.

Managing director Patrick Woods says the range was developed to make it easier to add fibre to everyday meals. The company advises starting with less than a full serving and gradually increasing the amount over one to two weeks. Mix it into food or liquid rather than eating it dry, and drink around 300ml of fluid with each serving.

There are plenty of other ways to boost fibre intake, too. Try choosing wholegrain bread instead of white, adding seeds to breakfast, eating more beans and other pulses, and including a wider variety of fruit and vegetables. Making changes gradually can help you find options that fit your usual routine.

Linwoods Boost products are gluten-free and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. The range is available at Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Holland & Barrett, Dunnes Stores, Whole Foods, Grape Tree, Ocado and Booths.

For product information or online orders, visit linwoodshealthfoods.com.