Does fructose cause diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder affecting the way the body produces and uses insulin and how it handles blood glucose. Insulin is essential for aiding glucose transport into cells. People with type I diabetes do not produce insulin, whereas those with type II diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or cannot efficiently use the insulin their bodies produce. Factors such obesity, lack of physical activity, and genetic predisposition all increase the risk for type II diabetes. People with diabetes must pay attention to the amount of all carbohydrates—sugars and starches—they consume. Because fructose does not increase blood glucose and does not require insulin, individuals with diabetes can often process it more efficiently than other sugars. In fact, studies show that small amounts of oral fructose may actually improve glycemic control in people with diabetes.
