Question:
From the UAE:
It's lack of insulin that causes diabetes, right? Then what is the sugar connection? Why are we asked not to eat too much sugar? I am 23, and have a history of diabetes in the family.
Answer:
Yes, you are right. The lack of insulin, either partial (Type 2 diabetes) or complete (Type 1 diabetes), causes a defect in the utilisation of carbohydrates by our body with a consequent increase of blood sugar in the
blood (hyperglycaemia).
Insulin is the only hormone that promotes glucose utilisation and therefore, people are asked not to eat too much sugar in order to avoid wide fluctuations of blood sugar and increasing demand for insulin.
MS
Original posting 20 Dec 97