Sweetening the Deal: Hirschhausen's 'Reward System Went Wild' - How Dr. Hirschhausen Exposes Germany's Hidden Sugar and Diabetes Crisis

Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen is tackling Germany's sugar problem in a new primetime show. The programme, Hirschhausen and the Sugar Problem, will explore the links between sugar, diabetes, and hidden additives in everyday foods. It airs on Monday, February 23, at 8:15 PM on ARD.

The show examines how excessive sugar intake contributes to diabetes, a condition that can cause severe complications. These include nerve and blood vessel damage, sometimes leading to foot amputations. Hirschhausen also investigates the role of artificial sweeteners and hidden sugars in soft drinks, even undergoing an MRI scan during a self-experiment with these additives.

One segment features a medical assistant from Düsseldorf who improved her blood sugar levels by cutting out carbohydrates. Hirschhausen himself reset his sugar cravings through fasting, demonstrating a personal approach to the issue. The programme also looks at broader solutions, such as a proposed sugar tax, and highlights a school garden project teaching children about real, unprocessed food.

Germans currently consume an average of 33 kilograms of sugar per person each year. The show aims to raise awareness about the risks of high sugar diets and possible ways to reduce consumption.

The documentary will present both personal stories and scientific insights into sugar's impact on health. By featuring real-life examples and expert analysis, it seeks to inform viewers about the dangers of diabetes and the benefits of dietary changes. The programme airs on ARD at 8:15 PM on February 23.