Consuming Sweetened Beverages Could Significantly Boost Chances of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
A revealing meta-study has shed light on the intricate relationship between sugar consumption and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Conducted by researchers from Brigham Young University in Utah, along with colleagues from Paderborn University and the University of Freiburg in Germany, this comprehensive analysis pooled data from 29 studies conducted worldwide.
The study, published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, found a concerning association between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks and fruit juices, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, a daily 12-ounce serving of a sugar-sweetened drink was linked to a 25% increased risk of diabetes, relative to an individual's existing level of risk. Even a single daily serving was found to pose a threat, suggesting there may be no safe lower limit when it comes to sugary beverages and diabetes risk.
However, the news isn't all grim. The same study found that moderate consumption of sugars contained in solid foods or eaten with meals might actually lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. An intake of 20 grams of sugars per day was found to have an inverse relationship with the risk of developing diabetes, suggesting that eating sugar may make a person less likely to develop the condition.
"Our hypothesis was based on the idea that sugar's impact depends on how it's delivered - not just how much, but what else comes with it," said lead author Karen Della Corte, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science at Brigham Young University.
The researchers explained that the rapid absorption of liquid sugars, which lack the accompanying nutrients found in solid foods, could contribute to metabolic imbalances and increased diabetes risk. This rapid delivery overwhelms the body's ability to process it in a healthy manner, ultimately leading to sharp blood sugar spikes and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
In light of these findings, the study supports a nuanced approach to sugar consumption, suggesting that avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages is a prudent choice for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. At the same time, moderate sugar intake as part of a healthy diet including solid foods does not increase the risk of diabetes and may even have a slight protective effect.
While the connection between sugar and type 2 diabetes risk may be more nuanced than previously thought, the best advice remains once given by nutrition experts: choose carbohydrates wisely, pairing them with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to slow sugar absorption and support overall health. It's about balance and quality, not simply cutting out sugar completely.
- The meta-study, published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, reveals an association between sugar-sweetened beverages and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, suggesting a 25% higher risk with a daily 12-ounce serving.
- The endocrine science of diabetes indicates that moderate consumption of sugars contained in solid foods or eaten with meals might lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with an intake of 20 grams of sugars per day having an inverse relationship with the risk.
- Karen Della Corte, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science at Brigham Young University, explained that the rapid absorption of liquid sugars in sugar-sweetened beverages could lead to metabolic imbalances and increased diabetes risk due to their lack of accompanying nutrients.
- The study supports a nuanced approach to sugar consumption, suggesting that avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages is beneficial for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, while moderate sugar intake as part of a healthy diet including solid foods does not increase the risk and may even have a slight protective effect.
- In terms of health-and-wellness advice, nutrition experts suggest choosing carbohydrates wisely, pairing them with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to slow sugar absorption and support overall health, indicating that it's about balance and quality, not simply cutting out sugar completely.
