The Sweet Reality About Sugar
This story is part of a larger series on the top health trends and how they could impact cancer patients and their families.
Who doesn’t love sugar? The tiny, sweet granules are a topic consistently generating buzz in the world of health and nutrition, from the rise of artificial sweeteners to the latest research on sugar’s link to various diseases. With so many conflicting messages, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction.
Gina DeNicola, PhD
Gina DeNicola, PhD, leader of the Metabolism Program at Moffitt Cancer Center, is helping us understand sugar, its different forms and how it contributes to our overall health.
Do We Need Sugar?
The short answer is yes — our bodies require sugar to function. “Many of the tissues in the body are fueled by sugar, and our body maintains a constant sugar level,” DeNicola said. “When our sugar gets too low, we can lose consciousness.”
However, not all sugars are created equal. Natural sugars found in fruit and complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, potatoes and rice, provide necessary energy. Meanwhile, added sugars — like those found in soda and candy — can be harmful when consumed in excess.
According to the American Heart Association, men should limit their added sugar intake to nine teaspoons daily, while women should keep it to no more than six teaspoons a day.
The Link Between Sugar, Diabetes and Cancer
A big concern about sugar is the connection between diseases like diabetes and cancer. While sugar may not cause cancer directly, consuming an excessive amount of sugar over a long period can contribute to conditions that increase the risk.
“The strongest link between sugar and cancer is type 2 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes is linked with a number of different cancer types,” DeNicola said. “That prolonged high sugar level causes insulin resistance in your body, so you will constantly have high sugar and high insulin. Both of those things can promote the growth of cancer cells in your body. The good news is you can change your diet, eat healthier and reverse it.”
Should Cancer Patients Eliminate Sugar From Their Diet?
A common myth suggests that cancer patients should eliminate sugar to slow tumor growth. However, according to DeNicola, that is not possible or necessary.
“There is this idea that cancers love sugar, and we even have PET imaging that leverages that idea. But you can’t cut out all sugar. We have sugar floating around in our blood, and our body is designed to keep a certain level.”
Instead of harsh diets, she recommends moderation. A balanced approach limiting added sugars while consuming natural sugars from whole foods helps keep the body healthy without unnecessary restrictions.
Are Artificial Sweeteners a Good Alternative?
Artificial sweeteners like Splenda or Stevia might seem like an easy swap for those looking to cut out sugar. But are they safe?
“It’s a complicated issue. Artificial sweeteners can help people reduce their sugar intake, but they also trick the brain into thinking you're having something sweet without giving you any nutrients, which might lead to overeating later,” DeNicola said.
While natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup may seem healthier, DeNicola explains they still impact blood sugar levels. Whether artificial or natural, sweeteners should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Could Weight Loss Drugs Impact Cancer Rates?
Weight loss drugs are taking over our news feeds, but could they impact overall cancer risk? While it’s too early to draw conclusions, DeNicola says the connection between obesity, diabetes and cancer suggests weight loss medication could play a role in future cancer prevention.
“I saw a statistic that 10% of the United States is taking Ozempic, and I don’t know moving forward if those numbers are going to change, but if we have a decrease in obesity and type 2 diabetes rates, that could potentially have an impact on cancer incidence in the future.”
