Like obesity, the causes of type 2 diabetes are complex. However, most experts agree that obesity, particularly excess body fat concentrated in the abdomen, genetics, and a lack of physical activity are primary risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body no longer makes or is unable to properly use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin allows energy from carbohydrates (sugar is a carbohydrate) in foods to be used by the body's cells.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines Committee, a joint committee of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reviewed the available scientific evidence and concluded in their report that "current evidence suggests that there is no relationship between total carbohydrate intake (minus fiber) and the incidence of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes." The committee also stated that "there is no evidence that total sugar intake is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes." The committee acknowledged a 2004 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that "indicates that there may be an association between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, other than fruit juices, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in women, possibly by providing excessive calories and large amounts of rapidly absorbable sugars." This study, however, did not change the committee's conclusion quoted above.

If you have questions about body weight, nutrition or diabetes, you should ask your healthcare provider or registered dietitian. For more information about type 2 diabetes and nutrition, you can visit the following websites:

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services and U.S. Dept. of Agriculture - http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines
• Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report (2005), Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture - http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/report
• Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids (2002), Institute of Medicine - http://www.iom.edu/report.asp?id=4340
• American Diabetes Association - www.diabetes.org/home.jsp
• American Dietetic Association - www.eatright.org/Public