Does eating too much sugar cause diabetes?

The belief that eating too much sugar causes diabetes is a myth, because diabetes starts when something affects the body’s ability to convert food into energy, explains WebMD. Studies have instead shown that eating too much sugar can increase the risk of diabetes.

On the other hand, studies have shown that consuming sugary beverages is associated with type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Sugar-sweetened drinks such as regular soda, sweet tea, fruit punch, sports drinks and energy drinks increase the blood glucose levels in the body.

Excessive consumption of sugar can also contribute to heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure, explains WebMD.