New Delhi | January 6, 2026

Excess sugar is often linked to weight gain and diabetes, but a senior heart surgeon has warned that it can also cause serious harm to heart health if consumed regularly in high amounts. Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, recently explained how too much sugar in the diet puts stress on the heart and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Sharing his insights on social media, Dr London said that while blood sugar levels naturally rise after eating, problems begin when the body is repeatedly exposed to large amounts of sugar. He explained that glucose balance is essential for overall health, and frequent sugar spikes force the body to work harder to maintain this balance.

According to the surgeon, insulin plays a key role in managing blood sugar. After a meal, insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle and liver cells, where it is used for energy or stored for later use. However, when a person regularly consumes excess sugar, insulin levels stay high for long periods. Over time, the body’s cells begin to stop responding properly to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance.

Dr London warned that insulin resistance allows excess sugar to remain in the bloodstream longer than it should. This is where the real damage begins. Persistently high blood sugar levels harm the endothelium, the delicate inner lining of blood vessels. Damage to this lining leads to inflammation, reduces nitric oxide levels, and causes blood vessels to become stiff and less flexible.

As blood vessels lose their elasticity, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body. Over time, this process increases the risk of high blood pressure, plaque buildup in arteries known as atherosclerosis, and eventually heart disease. Dr London stressed that these changes do not happen overnight but develop slowly due to poor dietary habits that include excessive sugar intake.

The heart surgeon said many people underestimate how much sugar they consume daily. Sugar is not just found in desserts and sweets but is hidden in many packaged and processed foods. He pointed out that sugary drinks are among the biggest contributors to excess sugar consumption, as they provide large amounts of sugar without making a person feel full.

To protect heart health, Dr London shared three practical ways to reduce sugar intake. First, he advised people to become more aware of what they eat by checking food labels for added sugars. He said cutting down on processed foods and avoiding sugary beverages can make a significant difference.

The second suggestion focused on physical activity. Dr London explained that muscles are the body’s best way to manage excess glucose. Regular movement such as walking, lifting weights, or any form of exercise helps muscles absorb sugar from the bloodstream. He especially recommended light activity after meals to prevent sugar from lingering in the blood.

The third recommendation involved improving diet quality by increasing protein and fibre intake. According to Dr London, protein and fibre slow down the absorption of glucose, reduce sharp blood sugar spikes, and help people feel full for longer. This not only supports better blood sugar control but also reduces cravings for sugary foods.

Dr London concluded by reminding people that small, consistent changes in diet and lifestyle can go a long way in protecting the heart. He emphasised that reducing sugar is not about complete restriction but about mindful choices that support long-term heart health.

 Veteran Heart Surgeon Warns Against Excess Sugar Intake, Explains Risks to Heart and Shares Simple Ways to Cut Back

Excess sugar is often linked to weight gain and diabetes, but a senior heart surgeon says it can also quietly damage the heart. Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, recently explained how too much sugar in the diet increases the risk of serious heart problems.

Dr London said that while blood sugar rises naturally after meals, trouble begins when the body is regularly overloaded with sugar. Over time, constant sugar spikes push insulin levels higher, and the body’s cells stop responding properly. This condition, called insulin resistance, allows excess sugar to stay in the bloodstream longer than it should.

According to the doctor, high sugar levels damage the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to inflammation and making arteries stiff. This raises the risk of high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and heart disease. He warned that sugary drinks and packaged foods are major sources of hidden sugar and are often consumed without people realising how much sugar they contain.

To cut back, Dr London suggested three simple steps. First, reduce foods and drinks with added sugar by checking labels. Second, stay physically active, especially after meals, as muscles help burn excess sugar. Third, increase protein and fibre in meals to slow sugar absorption and reduce cravings.

Small changes, he said, can make a big difference to heart health.