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Not So Sweet: Diabetes / 29
Make Connections:
Myth-Busters
Many people mistakenly believe that the following fac-
tors cause type 2 diabetes. They do not!
Sugar:
Eating excessive quantities of sugar alone does
not cause diabetes. If eating excessive sugar, however,
contributes to a person becoming overweight or obese,
then in that way it can play a role in the development
of the disease. (Excessive amounts of protein or fat will
do the same thing.)
Gender:
Males and females are equally likely to
develop diabetes.
Emotions:
Changes in emotions do not trigger type 2
diabetes.
Stress:
Stress does not cause diabetes, but, like sugar,
stress can contribute to weight gain. If you eat more to
manage your stress and then gain weight, the excess
weight—not stress—may influence the disease’s
development.