Sugar is the new tobacco and here is why

Indians unaware of the amount of sugar being consumed leading to heart diseases

Sugar is the new tobacco, causing heart attacks in India.

According to doctors, sugar consumed in the form of beverages, aerated drinks, junk foods and bakery items is raising the obesity levels, causing heart diseases.

Dr Sunil Kapoor, a senior cardiologist said, “We have the problem of sugar consumption which has led to a 25 per cent increase in the Type 2 diabetes among the obese and normal population. While the obese develop diabetes due to lifestyle issues, normal person are hit due to genetics and the increased sugar intake. Consumption of high amounts of sugar is a point to be considered.”

Regular consumption of beverages, concentrated juices, and colas is acting on the body and is leading to increased sugar levels. Recent studies have found that every additional 150 sugar calories lead to an 11fold increase in the prevalence of the Type 2 diabetes. Dependency on processed foods, with hidden sugar content is also to be blamed.

Dr Ravi Sankar Erukualpati, a senior consultant endocrinologist, said, “Changing food habits has made processed foods and carbonated drinks form part of the daily menu. Most Indians do not have the idea about the amount of sugar being consumed by them. Due to this, the triple combination of ailments obesity, diabetes and heart disease occurs at a younger age among the population in the country.”

While the obese develop diabetes due to lifestyle issues, the normal person is hit due to genetics and the increased sugar intake. Consumption of high amounts of sugar is a point to be considered. - DR SUNIL KAPOOR, Senior cardiologist