Myth or fact: eating sugar by itself causes diabetes.

Myth. Diabetes has many causes, and sugar alone isn't the cause.

Start playing free

  1. Fact, sugar is the main cause
  2. Fact, but only for type 1
  3. Myth, it's more complicated than that ✔

Why: Type 1 is autoimmune, and type 2 involves many factors like family history, age and activity. Sugary drinks are linked to higher type 2 risk, so sugar can play a part, but it isn't the single cause.

Huh, didn't know that: Diabetes isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone like a cold.

The dad joke
What's a myth? A female moth.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Myth, it's more complicated than that. Type 1 is autoimmune, and type 2 involves many factors like family history, age and activity. Sugary drinks are linked to higher type 2 risk, so sugar can play a part, but it isn't the single cause.

  1. MedlinePlus, Diabetes myths and facts medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000964.htm
    Eating sugar does not cause diabetes.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game