For years, researchers have suspected that excess sugar in food and drinks can cause depression. One reason it was suspected was because people with diabetes have an increased incidence of depression that is beyond what would be expected only from the challenges of dealing with a chronic illness. Having diabetes is associated with two to three times the rate of depression compared to the general population.
In a study of more than 10,000 middle-aged and older adults, it was found that individuals who felt older than their chronological age were at greater risk of developing cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease and stroke.