According to a National Geographic article, USA's main food types are (processed) sugars and carbohydrates and fats. (Thailand's main food types are grains and vegetables.) The uptake of western style foods in Thailand may be a BIG factor in increase of diabetes in Thailand population.

Countries around the world are trying to reduce health spending on preventable diseases. Perhaps, promotion (and control) of 'correct' foods and exercises are more effective than blaming people or sugar.

It is better to invest in cultural 'diabetes-safe' practices.

On controlling intake of sugar (as tradionally advised), this may reduce blood sugar 'spikes' (ie. 'high peaks'), but some people may need that (higher level) to trigger insulin production which regulates the sugar.

Fasting (going without food - but just water) for 24 hours or more has been reported as very helpful in both reducing sugar level and increase insulin sensitivity.