Almost everyone has heard of type 2 diabetes—but let’s be honest, most of us think of it as something that happens to someone else. The reality, though, is that our nation is hurtling toward a diabetic epidemic, and much of it has to do with one powerful ingredient that shows up everywhere: sugar.
Understanding the effects of sugar—especially where it hides—is one of the smartest and most impactful things you can do for your long-term health and vitality.
Why Sugar Deserves a Second Look
You probably know sugar causes blood sugar to rise. But what most people don’t realize is that elevated blood sugar levels can go unnoticed for years, quietly causing inflammation and damage before any obvious symptoms appear. By the time you’re diagnosed with a chronic metabolic condition like type 2 diabetes, your body may have been struggling in the background for a long time.
Excess sugar intake often leads to insulin resistance, where the body keeps producing more and more insulin to try to get sugar out of the bloodstream. Over time, this process breaks down—and that’s when disease takes hold.
Even slight elevations in blood sugar have been shown to threaten brain health and increase the risk for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as “type 3 diabetes” due to its strong ties to insulin dysfunction (Nebraska Medicine), (David Perlmutter, MD).
Hidden Sugar Is Everywhere
One of the most overlooked dangers of sugar is just how hidden it is. You may not think you’re eating much sugar—but chances are, you’re consuming more than you realize. Added sugars are buried under dozens of names on nutrition labels, from maltodextrin to evaporated cane juice to rice syrup.
That’s why I created this Hidden Sugars Cheat Sheet—a simple guide to help you decode food labels and spot sneaky sugars before they sneak into your cart.
Sugar Addiction Is Real
For many of us, sugar isn’t just a treat—it’s a dependence. Studies now confirm what many of us have suspected: sugar lights up the same reward centers in the brain as addictive substances like drugs and alcohol (Rutgers Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies).
I know this firsthand. Years ago, I realized I was absolutely addicted to sugar. I was grabbing sweet lattes from coffee shops, munching on checkout aisle candy, and reaching for cookies during my afternoon slump. And when I ran out of those? I’ve even eaten the lumps of brown sugar straight out of the bag—just to satisfy the craving. That’s how desperate I felt.
And even though I “knew better,” it took learning about the long-term effects on my brain—thanks to Dr. David Perlmutter’s book Grain Brain—to get serious about changing my habits.
It wasn’t easy, but the difference in how I feel now is extraordinary. I didn’t even realize how crummy I was feeling until I made the shift. No more energy crashes. No more foggy brain. Just more clarity, better moods, and more steady energy throughout the day.
Take the First Step
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I get it. The idea of giving up sugar—or even cutting back—can feel daunting. But the goal isn’t perfection. It’s awareness.
Start by tracking how much sugar you eat, looking at labels more closely, and making small swaps (like veggies and hummus instead of cookies). You might be shocked by how many “healthy” foods are loaded with sugar and how quickly your cravings start to change once you reduce your intake.
And if you’re ready to get some structured support, my 10-Day Kick Sugar Program is launching in early September! It’s a perfect way to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle and break the sugar cycle with daily guidance and accountability.
Click here to join the mailing list and be the first to know when registration opens
Or book a free call with me – Let’s explore how sugar may be affecting your energy, mood, and long-term health—and create a personalized plan to help you reduce cravings, balance your blood sugar, and feel like yourself again.