An Image of Normal Bone (IMAGE) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Caption Can a diet high in processed fat and sugar and type 2 diabetes cause degeneration of intervertebral discs in the spine? Credit Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.