The Dark Side of Sugar

By Nnamdi Bonny Okoli It is a necessary class of food responsible for the generation of energy in the body tissue and for the optimal functioning of the brain, but an increase consumption of sugar has been discovered to have a link with the onset of several medical conditions that could be fatal. In the last issue of this article, we understood that carbohydrate rich food breakdown to glucose, the form in which they generate energy for the body which is transported into the muscles and adipose tissue (where is converted to and stored as fat) this transportation is made possible by a hormone secreted in the pancreatic gland known as insulin. Just as in every biological process, the production of insulin is controlled by a regulatory mechanism. A disorder of this regulatory mechanism gives rise to a critical medical condition known as diabetes Mellitus meaning excessive exertion of sugary urine. Diabetes mellitus has two major types; type I and II diabetes non-insulin dependent diabetes) Type I diabetes which is more popular result from an inability of the pancreatic cells to produce sufficient insulin necessary for the uptake of glucose. Type II diabetes on the other hand result from a defective insulin- response mechanism. In this case, insulin is sufficient but does not respond to the need for an uptake of available glucose in the blood. Both types result in an excessive build up of glucose in the blood Glycerin) starving the tissues, muscles and the brain of energy. The basic point of divergence between both types however, is the fact that while type I diabetes remain resistant symptoms of this condition include excess thirst, leading to intake of large amount of water cyolyuria. Scientists proposed a connection between high sugar consumption and the reduction of sperm count. As we conclude this series, it is essential to note that excess sugar intake has no clear connection with DIABITIES MELLITUS except for certain cases of type II diabetes; however such practice put the individual at risk in the onset of a regular disorder.