Is Sugar the Real Villain? Unraveling the True Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

The commonly believed idea that sugar intake is the leading cause in the development of Type 2 diabetes is misleading, and overlooks the complex interplay of the true underlying physiology.  People have relied on sugar as a main energy source for hundreds if not thousands of years.  Sugar is the main fuel source for the nervous system.  Do we eat too much of it in modern day culture? Maybe.  Is it the sugar, or what comes with the sugar in the processed food industry?  Read on to discover why blaming sugar alone misses the real story behind diabetes.

Sugars, particularly in the form of simple carbohydrates like sucrose or fructose, are a vital energy source for the body. It as a necessary fuel for cellular metabolism.(If you want more information, refer to my article Five Surprising Facts about Sugar) The body’s ability to utilize sugar efficiently depends on a well-functioning metabolism, which is governed by thyroid function, hormonal signalling, and stress levels. Diabetes arises, not from sugar consumption but from a breakdown in these systems, often triggered by chronic stress, poor diet, and/or environmental toxins.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where cells fail to respond to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar. Mainstream narratives often point to excessive sugar intake as the culprit. However, insulin resistance stems from systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which is worsened by the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in industrial seed oils. PUFAs, unlike sugars, disrupt cellular energy production and promote inflammation, impairing the body’s ability to handle glucose. Sugar, when consumed in a metabolically supportive context, is efficiently converted into energy or stored as glycogen, not fat.

Fructose, a component of table sugar and the main sugar found in fruit, is metabolized primarily by the liver, bypassing the insulin-dependent glucose pathways. This makes it a valuable energy source for individuals with compromised insulin sensitivity.  Fruits, honey, and even refined sugar can support metabolic health when paired with adequate protein and saturated fats, which stabilize blood sugar and reduce stress hormones like cortisol. Cortisol, not sugar, is a key driver of metabolic dysfunction, as it promotes the creation of sugar from protein (gluconeogenesis) and fat storage, contributing to insulin resistance.

It is important to note that fruit sugar and simple sugars like honey and maple syrup are not metabolized by the body in the same way as starch.  A diet that is high in starch will certainly aggravate blood sugars, as starches do require insulin in order to be burned for fuel and are best minimized and even avoided in persons who struggle with healthy blood sugar regulation.

Another way to understand it is to use a locked door as an analogy – insulin is the key that unlocks the door, thereby allowing the entry of sugar into the cell. High consumption of polyunsaturated fats and oxidative stress make the lock sticky, so despite having sugar and the insulin available to allow it to enter the cells, the sugar’s entry is unsuccessful. However, there’s a pet flap available, through which fructose can enter, thereby giving the cell the energy it needs to function.

The thyroid is another important consideration for a well-functioning metabolism and better blood sugar regulation. A sluggish thyroid impairs glucose metabolism, leading to poor energy production and increased reliance on stress hormones. Sugar can support thyroid function by providing quick energy to cells, reducing the metabolic burden. Diets low in carbohydrates, such as ketogenic diets, may improve sugar metabolism in the short term. However, in the long term, it suppresses thyroid activity and elevates stress hormones, worsening insulin sensitivity over time.

Sugar has been demonized out of context – a diet that prioritizes easily digestible carbohydrates, moderate protein, and low PUFA fats to optimize energy production and hormonal balance is ideal for improving blood sugar regulation. Diabetes, in this view, is a symptom of metabolic failure driven by stress, nutrient deficiencies, and toxic fats—not sugar itself. By focusing on supporting cellular energy through balanced nutrition, we can reframe sugar as a tool for health rather than a cause of disease.