Does sugar cause diabetes? Not really, or at least not directly. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the condition that produces excess blood sugar, does not depend on a direct relationship to the amount of sugar habitually consumed. It is, however, the result of overweight and obesity, conditions that are in turn generated by overconsumption of foods too high in sugar and fat (junk food) and a sedentary lifestyle, which prevents one from consuming the calories taken in with food.
There are essentially two indications for preventing diabetes: engaging in regular physical activity (half an hour of brisk walking is enough) and following a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. I summary, one must minimize the consumption of foods with excessive contents of sugar, saturated fat and salt. Prioritize vegetables and fruits, grains and legumes, AND alternate sources of animal protein: fish, eggs, cheese and meats of various species.
