Medically reviewed by Onikepe Adegbola, MD, PhD
Sucrose intolerance is a gastrointestinal disorder (a disorder of the digestive system or of the gastrointestinal tract, which is a passage from the mouth to the anus). According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, sucrose intolerance, medically termed Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID) or Genetic sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (GSID), is a genetic disorder that reduces the body’s ability to digest sucrose present in table sugar. The body cannot break down dietary sugar.
As per a study titled “The clinical consequences of sucrase-isomaltase deficiency,” published in Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics journal, sucrose intolerance happens due to sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. This deficiency reduces the body’s ability to digest and absorb dietary sucrose. This disorder is more common in children than in adults because of the shorter length of their small intestine, which reduces the colon’s ability to digest sugar.
The following are some of the most common problems that people face due to sucrose intolerance:
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Increased gas production
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
These conditions become better after 3-4 years of life. As children grow, sucrose intolerance level decreases.
What is Sucrose Intolerance?
Sucrose intolerance is a gastrointestinal disorder (a disorder of the digestive system or of the gastrointestinal tract, which is a passage from the mouth to the anus). According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, sucrose intolerance, medically termed Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID) or Genetic sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (GSID), is a genetic disorder that reduces the body’s ability to digest sucrose present in table sugar. The body cannot break down dietary sugar.
As per a study titled “The clinical consequences of sucrase-isomaltase deficiency,” published in Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics journal, sucrose intolerance happens due to sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. This deficiency reduces the body’s ability to digest and absorb dietary sucrose. This disorder is more common in children than in adults because of the shorter length of their small intestine, which reduces the colon’s ability to digest sugar.
The following are some of the most common problems that people face due to sucrose intolerance:
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Increased gas production
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
These conditions become better after 3-4 years of life. As children grow, sucrose intolerance level decreases.
What is Diabetes?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is a chronic disease that happens when the body either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it. Our body breaks down food into glucose which is absorbed into the bloodstream to provide energy to the cells. Pancreas release insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose level.
According to a study titled “Causes, Complications, and Management of Diabetes Mellitus,” published in the Chronicle Journal of Food and Nutrition, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of nutrition are some of the most common causes of diabetes mellitus.
There are three different types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes:- It happens due to an autoimmune reaction when the body stops producing enough insulin hormone.
- Type 2 diabetes:- In type-2 diabetes, the body resists insulin or does not use it properly, leading to increased blood sugar levels.
- Gestational diabetes:- This type of diabetes happens during pregnancy.
If not controlled, diabetes can cause fatal health conditions like heart failure, kidney diseases, or loss of vision.
Difference Between Sucrose Intolerance And Diabetes
Here are some significant differences between sucrose intolerance and diabetes mellitus.
- Disorder vs. disease
Sucrose intolerance is a rare genetic disorder, whereas diabetes is a chronic disease. Disease and disorder words are often used interchangeably. It is slightly difficult to understand the difference between the two. While diseases can be described as medical conditions that cause abnormality in the body due to an external or internal factor, disorders disrupt the normal functioning of the body organs. It is often caused by a disease. There is a known cause or medical condition behind a disease. However, the exact cause of a disorder might be unknown.
- Digestive ability
People with sucrose intolerance have a reduced ability to digest table sugar, whereas, in diabetes, the body is unable to produce or use insulin. It disrupts the blood sugar level.
- Causes
The major cause of sucrose intolerance is a genetic mutation. It can also happen due to an inflammation in the small intestine. Diabetes can occur due to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, or autoimmune disorders. It can also be hereditary.
- Age group
Sucrose intolerance is more common in children than adults. Diabetes is more common in middle-aged or older people.
How To Know If You Have Sucrose Intolerance Or Diabetes?
It is essential to check the symptoms of both sucrose intolerance and diabetes. In most cases, sucrose intolerance can be diagnosed during infancy. As per a study titled “The clinical consequences of sucrase-isomaltase deficiency,” published in Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics journal, infants with sucrose intolerance can get chronic diarrhea, and might vomit after having sucrose, or table sugar, and may have irritability. Since infants are more susceptible to sucrose intolerance, parents must consult with the doctor immediately if the child shows any of these symptoms. However, sugar intolerance can also occur during adulthood.
According to the American Diabetes Association, symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, urinating frequently, fatigue, blurry vision, slow healing of bruises or wounds, and numbness in hands or feet. These symptoms are more visible in the case of type 1 diabetes. However, people with type 2 diabetes rarely experience these symptoms. The common symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children are sudden and excessive bedwetting, frequent thirst, weight loss, and falling Ill often. However, it is better to consult a doctor to confirm if you have sucrose intolerance or diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion
Sucrose intolerance and diabetes mellitus might sound the same as people with these medical conditions are suggested against eating sugar. However, these are two different conditions with varying symptoms, consequences, causes, and treatments. Since sugar (glucose and sucrose) provide energy to the body, its deficiency can lead to dehydration and too much acid in body fluids, known as metabolic acidosis, and might even slow down development. Therefore, it is necessary to provide proper nutrition to people with diabetes or sucrose intolerance.
References
Ahmad, Aftab & Khan, Alamgir & Khan, Salahuddin. (2017). Causes, Complications, and Management of Diabetes Mellitus. Chronicle Journal of Food and Nutrition. 1. 1-3.
Cohen S. A. (2016). The clinical consequences of sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. Molecular and cellular pediatrics, 3(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40348-015-0028-0
Type 1 Diabetes – Symptoms | ADA. (n.d.). American Diabetes Association. Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1/symptoms
What is Diabetes? (2022, March 2). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html
