Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Sugar causes diabetes? I've heard that too much sugar can cause diabetes, and I'm a total candy addict. So,is it true? What is diabetes? And what other factors can cause diabetes?
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Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease with a number of risk factors, one of which includes high blood sugar levels, which might be caused by eating too much sugar over the course of many years. If you're in middle school and like candy, you're likely not at any current risk for developing diabetes. Although it is becoming more common in teenagers, it is mostly a disease of middle age, with the highest risk starting after age 45, or so. Of course, it's never too early to consider healthy eating, but I wouldn't worry too much right now. Other risk factors for diabetes include hereditary effects (inheriting genes from your parents that make you more likely to get diabetes), obesity, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, etc.

There is another form of diabetes called Type 1 Diabetes. This kind of diabetes is not related to diet, but is an autoimmune disease, caused when the immune system attacks specific cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This type of diabetes usually starts at a fairly young age.

Are you thinking of doing a science fair project on diabetes? It can make for some really interesting projects. If you are interested in learning more, you should consider doing some basic google searches on the subject. There is a lot of information out there, just try to make sure you read from reputable sources (sources ending .edu or .gov are usually good). If you are looking for a science fair project on diabetes, you should also search through our science fair project ideas to help get you started.

Hope this helps!
JMP