Sugar has been part of foods and beverages for long. It is delicious and can also be addictive for some people, but is it actually healthy? We consume sugar in two forms: natural and added sugars. Natural sugar is absorbed from fruits and dairy, whereas added sugars are found in processed food or artificial sweeteners. Consuming excess sugar can impact one’s health. Here are eight signs that someone is consuming too much sugar:

They will crave more sweet meals
Sugar, especially artificial sweeteners in higher amounts, can be addictive to taste buds. They bring changes of an “up and down” feeling, a wave-like hormonal response in the body that triggers a longing for sweets. Studies on sugar addiction indicate that eating sugar has a chance of increasing dopamine levels, so the more one eats it, the more they will crave it.

They may start gaining weight
An increase in body fat composition, especially in the abdominal area, is one of the most common things that happen to the body because of sugar. Sugar doesn’t have essential nutrients such as protein or fiber; it provides excess, non-nutritional calories to the body. The absence of such nutrients can make one hungry all the time and cause them to eat more to satisfy the hunger. Sugar also causes the body to release insulin. Excess calories and insulin can lead to an increase in the fat percentage of the body.

They have constant high sugar and pressure levels
Another common sign in the list of notable things that happen to one’s body when they eat sugar is the change in blood sugar and pressure levels. Artificial sweeteners, added sugars, and sugar-sweetened drinks have a significant role in causing hypertension, a rise in blood sugar levels, and diabetes. In people diagnosed with diabetes, too much blood sugar can damage the retina’s blood vessels and cause fluid and blood to ooze out of it. This can further lead to a diabetic complication called macular edema, swelling in the retina’s central part.

They need food to taste sweeter
Consuming too much sugar can increase the taste buds’ sugar tolerance level. The brain feels less satisfied with foods that contain low amounts of sugar. So, one would feel like adding more sugar to their food. This is a potential sign that indicates it’s time to reduce the amount of sugar consumption.

They feel tired throughout the day
One experiences stable energy levels when the blood sugar levels are stable. If one is experiencing highs and lows of energy, it can probably be due to sugar intake. Sugar is a quick energy source and can be easily digested. Consuming food high in sugar can make one’s energy level rise, followed by a sudden drop.

They may have skin problems and sleep issues
The reason for poor skin health can be the consumption of sugar in high amounts. Insulin resistance and glycemic control increase the risk of skin diseases. Too much sugar can lead to a spike in insulin levels and secretion of androgen, which can result in skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Wrinkles may be another sign of excess sugar intake. The advanced glycation end products (proteins or lipids that become glycated due to their exposure to sugar) can lead to skin aging, risk of insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

They may have problems with mental clarity
One may have difficulty concentrating, focusing, and occasional brain fog due to excess consumption of sugar. Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to a sudden rise and fall in blood sugar levels. The brain fog and irritability can be the result of low blood sugar. This is because sleep cycles and brain function are regulated by glycemic control. Excess glucose can have an inflammatory effect on the brain’s cognitive function. Blood sugar crashes due to a high sugar intake can lead to mood swings. The fall in energy levels due to sugar consumption can also lead to decreased interest in activities.

Their teeth may start to develop cavities
Consumption of sugar in higher amounts increases the risk of cavities and gum diseases. Sugar can directly interact with the bacteria in the dental plaque to produce acid. It also provides energy to the bacteria, which then releases acid that can attack the teeth and cause cavities.

Treatment

Diabetic macular edema-Aflibercept
Aflibercept is a prescribed treatment option that is found to improve vision and treat the condition of diabetic macular edema. It works by controlling the amount of blood that reaches the retina. Some side effects are eye pain, increased sensitivity to light, and vision issues.

Is Ingrezza for diabetic treatments?
Ingrezza is a treatment option for Tardive dyskinesia, a condition of involuntary body movements, which is usually caused as a side effect of antipsychotic treatment options. Patients with diabetes mellitus, prescribed antipsychotic treatment options, are more likely to develop tardive dyskinesia than those without diabetes. Hence, it is recommended to avoid this medication for diabetics.

Sugar provides energy and is essential for a healthy body. However, sugar in abundant amounts can be dangerous. While it is not practical and not a good option to cut all sugar from one’s meal plans, it is better to avoid processed food as much as possible and choose healthier eating habits.