A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University has shed new light on the relationship between sugar consumption and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The findings challenge the conventional wisdom that all sources of sugar pose the same risk, highlighting the importance of considering the type and source of sugar in our diets.
Published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, the study is the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis of its kind. By analyzing data from over half a million individuals across multiple continents, the researchers uncovered a surprising discovery: Sugar consumed through beverages, such as soda and fruit juice, consistently showed a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while other sugar sources did not exhibit the same link.
Lead author Karen Della Corte, a nutritional science professor at BYU, explained, “This is the first study to draw clear dose-response relationships between different sugar sources and type 2 diabetes risk. It highlights why drinking your sugar—whether from soda or juice—is more problematic for health than eating it.”
The study revealed several key dose-response relationships:
– Each additional 12-oz serving of sugar-sweetened beverages per day increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 25%.
– Each additional 8-oz serving of fruit juice per day increased the risk by 5%.
– Contrary to popular belief, total sucrose and total sugar intake showed an inverse association with type 2 diabetes, suggesting a potential protective effect.
The researchers attributed the increased risk associated with sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice to their isolated sugar content, which leads to a greater glycemic impact on the body. In contrast, sugars found in nutrient-dense foods like whole fruits, dairy products, and whole grains do not overload the liver with sugar, resulting in slower blood glucose responses.
Fruit juice, despite its vitamin and nutrient content, was found to be a less beneficial source of sugar due to its high sugar concentration. The researchers recommended consuming whole fruits instead, as they provide fiber that supports better blood glucose regulation.
Della Corte emphasized the need for stricter guidelines regarding liquid sugars, particularly those found in sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice. She suggested that future dietary recommendations should consider the differential effects of sugar based on its source and form.
The study’s findings have significant implications for public health policies and dietary guidelines, urging individuals to be mindful of the type and source of sugar they consume. By making informed choices about their sugar intake, individuals can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve their metabolic health.
