1ºStop with the sugar bashing! First things first: Consuming more sugar does NOT increase the risk of developing diabetes. Let's review. Sugar contains at most the same number of calories per gram, or otherwise fewer calories per gram, compared to all other food components that are metabolized (sugar = 4, protein = 4, starch = 4, alcohol =7, fat = 9). Diabetes IS linked to obesity (particularly excess belly fat). Now since sugar itself doesn't contain nutrients (minerals and vitamins), of course those who are overweight and who must therefore reduce their total caloric intake would be smarter to consume foods containing less of the sugar component and more nutrient rich components in order to still get enough nutrition from the fewer total calories consumed. This is simply common sense. But, that said, most of the daily calories consumed are NOT from sugar. So, reducing one's sugar consumption only helps a little. Otherwise, this should not be construed to mean sugar is bad or has a higher caloric content! So, it's not that sugar causes diabetes (it doesn't) or is bad for you (it's not, with the exception that it increases tooth decay). Our bodies (organs and muscles) need sugar (glucose) to function, especially our brains. Glucose is "brain food." Even in the state of long term glucose deprivation where our body goes into a "survival mode" (ketosis) and creates ketones as a substitute energy source (ketogenesis), the brain would still require about 30% of its energy source from glucose. In fact, early on in this deprived glucose state (before ketogenesis occurs), even body fat and protein are converted to glucose (gluconeogenesis). Our body's reliance on glucose is the very reason that carbohydrates (and also fat and proteins early on in the state of deprived glucose) are broken down and converted to glucose. Simply put, this simple sugar provides the energy which "runs" the body, which is analogous to electricity that runs all electronic equipment. We all notice the difference when fresh batteries are inserted in our electronics - our equipment immediately delivers its peak responsiveness as if "waking up." Long term ketosis is not compatible with long term optimal health. Kidney stones, elevated cholesterol, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, frequent urination and severe leg cramps are among the side effects associated with the body's maladaptation to ketosis. I am an older male who has always consumed large amounts of sugar (I'm a confessed sugar addict). I am slim (6ft and 160 lbs), and all my vital health stats are normal (blood pressure 106/62, normal cholesterol ratio, blood sugar and triglycerides) without taking any medication whatsoever. Beware of internet nutrition "gurus." These gurus are entrenched in other media outlets as well. Their constant bashing of sugar has no solid empirical backing despite sounding persuasive. Instead, their claims are unproven hypotheses (based on CORRELATION, not CAUSATION) put out there to sell books, pharmaceuticals, vitamins and herbal supplements - and (they hope) to become relevant in their profession. If you are dieting to lose substantial weight, you're going to need to do a lot more than simply reducing your sugar consumption. Otherwise, if you're not limiting your sugar intake due to either insufficient insulin production (Type I diabetes) or insulin resistance (Type II diabetes), then enjoy the sweets.