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Animation: Sugars and Type 2 Diabetes

In this video, we take a clear and balanced look at what type 2 diabetes is, what drives it, and where sugars fit into the wider picture of diet and health.

 

    • Author WSRO
    • Publication Date 28/05/2026
    • Last Updated 28/05/2026
    • Category Science Resource

Discover our new animated learning series — a fresh, engaging way to explore the science of food and nutrition at your own pace.  

This short animation explores what the evidence says about sugars and type 2 diabetes, and how sugars fit within a balanced diet and lifestyle.

This video delivers clear, evidence-based insights in an engaging, accessible format that makes learning effortless — no nutrition background needed. Start watching now and see how this short animation can change the way you think about food!
 

Sugars and Type 2 Diabetes

Disclaimer: This resource is for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical, clinical or other professional advice. The WSRO is an international, member-based, not-for-profit organisation focused on the science of sugars and health. For more information about its members, please see our Members Directory.

References and further reading:

  1. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Risk - What Causes Diabetes. 2021. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk
  2. Diabetes UK. Us, diabetes and a lot of facts and stats. https://www.keep-healthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/diabetes-facts-stats.pdf
  3. Lean MEJ, Te Morenga L. Sugar and Type 2 diabetes. British Medical Bulletin. 2016 Dec 1;120(1):43–53. 
  4. Neuenschwander M, Ballon A, Weber KS, Norat T, Aune D, Schwingshackl L, et al. Role of diet in type 2 diabetes incidence: umbrella review of meta-analyses of prospective observational studies. BMJ. 2019 Jul 3;l2368. 
  5. Tsilas CS, De Souza RJ, Mejia SB, Mirrahimi A, Cozma AI, Jayalath VH, et al. Relation of total sugars, fructose and sucrose with incident type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. CMAJ. 2017 May 23;189(20):E711–20. 
  6. Choo VL, Viguiliouk E, Blanco Mejia S, Cozma AI, Khan TA, Ha V, et al. Food sources of fructose-containing sugars and glycaemic control: systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled intervention studies. BMJ. 2018 Nov 21;363. 
  7. Khan T, Chen V, Lee D, Tayyiba M, Saleh A, Ahmed A, et al. Important Food Sources of Sugars and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Can J Diabetes. 2022;46(7)S11-12.
  8. UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. Carbohydrates and Health Report. London: TSO; 2015. 

Please get in touch if you have any questions, contact: admin@wsro.org.

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Sugars & Health Training

Produced in conjunction the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), this course covers a wide range of sugars & health and science policy topics.