Consuming Sugary Drinks can Substantially Increase the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
A new meta-study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition sheds light on the intricate relationship between sugar consumption and type 2 diabetes risk. While a previous perception might associate a sweet tooth with an increased risk of the condition, the study suggests a more nuanced connection.
Researchers from Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, and their colleagues found a significant association between sugar-sweetened drinks – such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks – and the development of type 2 diabetes. Each daily serving of a 12-ounce sugar-sweetened drink corresponds to a 25% increase in the risk of diabetes, relative to an individual's existing risk.
Interestingly, the study reveals that the consumption of sugars within solid foods does not increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and, contrary to expectations, may even have a slight protective effect against the condition. According to the research, consuming 20 grams of sugar per day is linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The meta-study analyzed 29 studies conducted across Europe, the US, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. This comprehensive research highlights the importance of understanding the impact of sugar consumption’s form on diabetes risk.
Lead author, Karen Della Corte, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science at Brigham Young University, explains that this Nuanced perspective underlines that the relationship between sugar intake and type 2 diabetes is not only about the quantity of sugar but also the way it is delivered. The study indicates that liquid sugars are rapidly absorbed, overwhelming the body's ability to process them healthily, while solid-food sugars are more readily absorbed by the body due to the presence of nutrients like fiber, protein, and fat.
It is essential to note that this study does not support the notion that ‘all sugar is bad.’ Instead, it emphasizes the importance of carbohydrate quality over quantity and highlights the need for a balanced diet to minimize the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian, and Heart Health Expert at EntirelyNourished.com, who was not involved in the study, agrees with this nuanced approach. She states, "This study reinforces the idea that carbohydrates, including sugars, are an important part of the diet, and how we consume them really matters."
Avoiding sugary drinks is crucial for diabetes prevention, according to the study. It also emphasizes moderation and balance insofar as sugars consumed with solid foods within a balanced diet are not harmful and may even be beneficial. The study supports broader recommendations for diabetes risk reduction, which consistently stress a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
- The meta-study published in Advances in Nutrition revealed a significant association between sugar-sweetened drinks and the development of type 2 diabetes, suggesting a more nuanced connection than previously perceived.
- The study disputes the assumption that consumption of sugars within solid foods increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, stating that such sugars may even have a slight protective effect.
- Researchers analyzed 29 studies from various regions and concluded that the form of sugar consumption significantly impacts diabetes risk, with liquid sugars rapidly absorbed and potentially harmful, while solid-food sugars are more beneficial due to the presence of nutrients.
- Lead author Karen Della Corte stressed that the relationship between sugar intake and type 2 diabetes is not just about the quantity of sugar but also the way it is delivered, highlighting the importance of carbohydrate quality over quantity.
- Michelle Routhenstein, a Preventive Cardiology Dietitian, supported this nuanced approach, stating that the study reinforces the idea that carbohydrates, including sugars, are vital for health but their consumption in moderation and within a balanced diet is crucial for diabetes prevention.
