Dr Shulman added that the reduction could be a contributing factor to the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes because of its effect on fat burning and mitochondria production.

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In other words, chronically eating added sugar reduces BDNF, and then the lowered levels of the brain chemical begin contributing to insulin resistance, which leads to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which eventually leads to a host of other health problems.

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Experts called for action to tackle the underlying causes of Type 2 diabetes, such as insulin resistance.

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People who carry excess weight, especially in their midsection, are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes because the fat in their tissues causes an imbalance of insulin in the body.

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In Type 2 diabetes, obesity leads the body to be less sensitive to insulin, and to produce less of it after eating.

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