A comprehensive BYU study reveals that sugars from soda and fruit juice are linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while sugars in whole foods may offer protection.
In a recent study led by Brigham Young University (BYU), researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that sugars consumed through beverages such as soda and fruit juice are significantly linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), while sugars in whole foods might not pose the same threat.
Published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, the study is the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis to date on the relationship between dietary sugar and T2D.
Collaborating with researchers from Paderborn University and the University of Freiburg in Germany, the BYU team analyzed data from over half a million individuals across multiple continents, providing new insights into the differential impacts of sugar sources on health.
“This is the first study to draw clear dose-response relationships between different sugar sources and type 2 diabetes risk,” lead author Karen Della Corte, a BYU nutritional science professor, said in a news release. “It highlights why drinking your sugar — whether from soda or juice — is more problematic for health than eating it.”
Key Findings
The meta-analysis revealed startling dose-response relationships:
- With each additional 12-ounce serving of sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g., soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks) per day, the risk of developing T2D increased by 25%.
- Each additional 8-ounce serving of fruit juice per day was associated with a 5% increase in T2D risk.
Importantly, these risks are relative, not absolute. For instance, if an average person has a baseline 10% risk of developing T2D, consuming four sodas daily could double that risk to roughly 20%, rather than 100%.
In contrast, the study observed that a daily intake of 20 grams of total sucrose (table sugar) and total sugar (all naturally occurring and added sugars in the diet) was inversely associated with T2D, suggesting a protective effect.
Why the Difference?
The findings highlight the metabolic distinctions between liquid and solid sugar sources. Sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juices contain isolated sugars, which can overwhelm and disrupt liver metabolism, leading to increased liver fat and insulin resistance.
Conversely, sugars consumed within nutrient-dense foods, such as whole fruits, dairy products and whole grains, are accompanied by fibers, fats, proteins and other beneficial nutrients. These compounds help slow blood glucose responses and prevent metabolic overload in the liver.
Implications for Public Health
Della Corte emphasized the significance of the study in informing public health guidelines.
“This study underscores the need for even more stringent recommendations for liquid sugars such as those in sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice, as they appear to harmfully associate with metabolic health,” she added. “Rather than condemning all added sugars, future dietary guidelines might consider the differential effects of sugar based on its source and form.”
As the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise, these findings offer crucial insights into preventive dietary strategies, shedding light on the importance of not just reducing overall sugar intake but also understanding its sources.
Background and Perspective
Understanding the differentiation in sugars’ effects is vital, given the growing diabetes crisis. Type 2 diabetes affects millions worldwide, posing significant public health challenges.
This study suggests that targeting sugar-sweetened beverages could be pivotal in diabetes prevention efforts.
In conclusion, while moderation in sugar intake has always been advised, this new research indicates that the form in which sugar is consumed — especially liquid sugars — plays a critical role in diabetes risk. Re-assessing dietary guidelines with this knowledge could make a substantial impact on public health outcomes.
Source: Brigham Young University