FC-0013 · Sugar & BP28 Sep 2026
Claim
Eating too many sweets causes diabetes.
VerdictMisleading
Checked against merseywestlancs.nhs.uk, WHO, NHS
Eating too many sweets does not directly cause diabetes. Diabetes comes from a mix of genes and other things; being overweight raises the risk, and too much sugar can add weight.
What experts say
- Eating too much sugar does not by itself cause diabetes.1
- Diabetes happens when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly.12
- The biggest risk for type 2 diabetes is being overweight; not getting enough exercise and diabetes in the family also matter.123
- Eating too much sugar can make you gain weight, and extra weight raises the risk of type 2 diabetes.13
Why people believe it
Blood sugar rises soon after we eat sweets, so it feels like sweets must be the root cause of diabetes.
What to do
- Eat sweets in small amounts and not every day.13
- Keep your weight healthy: fill your plate with roti, dal, vegetables and fruit, and walk or move every day.13
- Choose water or plain milk instead of sugary drinks, for yourself and for children.3
- Get your blood sugar checked at a health centre, especially if you are overweight or someone in the family has diabetes.12
See a doctor if
Sources
Updated 28 Sep 2026
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