Is it true that eating too much sugar directly causes diabetes?

Not quite, it's a common oversimplification. Sugar intake alone doesn't directly cause type 2 diabetes; the actual risk pathway involves how the body manages weight, insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar over time, which diet (including but not limited to sugar) is one contributor to among several including genetics, age, and ethnicity. Excess sugar intake can contribute to weight gain and poor metabolic health over time, which are risk factors, but it's more accurate to say sugar is one piece of a broader risk picture than a direct single cause. References: https://obesitycanada.ca/healthcare-professionals/adult-clinical-practice-guideline/ https://guidelines.diabetes.ca/GuideLines/media/Docs/Quick%20Reference%20Guide/2024-CPG-Quick-Reference-Guide.pdf