Recent research has unveiled alarming statistics linking excessive sugar intake to a surge in health complications such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease — particularly in India.
Dr Manohar KN the chairperson of the Karnataka Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (KRSSDI), noted, “The most addictive substance in the world is sugary food.”
“Sugar is highly addictive. It is estimated that it is more addictive than tobacco or alcohol. Hence, many people would find it difficult to stop their sugar intake,” said Dr V Mohan.
The deleterious effects of sugar intake are not just restricted to inducing diabetes in those prone to it. It also worsens the condition of those with type 2 diabetes.
Dr Sudhir Kumar also said the first step could be to cut down the high-sugar-content items — for instance, cakes, soft drinks, sweets, packaged fruit juices, desserts and ice cream.
Dr. Mohan suggested the 21-day rule — based on the premise that it takes three weeks to form or break a habit. It is said to offer a structured approach to gradually reducing sugar.