How excess sugar consumption drives fatty liver and diabetes?

The liver plays a critical role in metabolizing sugar. When you consume high amounts of sugar, particularly fructose, your liver becomes overloaded. This excess sugar is converted into fat, which accumulates in liver cells.

Edited By: Top Indian News Desk

Last Updated : 12 August 2024, 02:05 PM IST

How excess sugar consumption drives fatty liver and diabetes? (Freepik )

New Delhi: Did you know that consuming too much sugar can have severe implications for your health? Excessive sugar intake doesn’t just contribute to weight gain, it can also lead to serious liver conditions and diabetes. When you consume more sugar than your body can handle, the excess is processed by the liver and converted into fat. This process can ultimately result in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How sugar affects your liver?

The liver plays a critical role in metabolizing sugar. When you consume high amounts of sugar, particularly fructose, your liver becomes overloaded. This excess sugar is converted into fat, which accumulates in liver cells. Over time, this buildup of fat leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that can progress to more severe liver damage, including inflammation and scarring.

NAFLD is characterized by fat deposits in the liver that are not caused by alcohol consumption. It is becoming increasingly common, particularly in individuals with poor dietary habits. As the fat accumulates, it can cause liver inflammation, impair liver function, and lead to complications such as cirrhosis or liver failure if left untreated.

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Link between excess sugar and diabetes

In addition to liver issues, excess sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate, which can eventually lead to high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance is closely linked to the accumulation of fat in the liver. When the liver becomes overloaded with fat, it impairs its ability to process glucose properly, contributing to insulin resistance. This creates a vicious cycle where increased sugar intake leads to further liver fat accumulation and worsening insulin resistance.

Preventive measures and healthier choices

To protect your liver and overall health, it is essential to manage your sugar intake and make healthier dietary choices. Here are some tips to help you reduce your sugar consumption:

Opt for whole foods: Choose whole fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins over processed foods high in added sugars. Whole foods provide essential nutrients without the added sugars found in many packaged items.
Read labels: Always check food labels for added sugars. Look for terms like high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, or sucrose, which indicate the presence of added sugars.
Limit sugary beverages: Reduce your consumption of sugary drinks such as sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened teas. Opt for water, herbal teas, or unsweetened beverages instead.
Incorporate fiber: Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Include fiber-rich foods like whole grains, legumes and vegetables in your diet.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.