Link Between Sugar Intake from Beverages and Increased Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Recent research from Brigham Young University highlights the significant impact of liquid sugar consumption on the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The comprehensive meta-analysis, involving data from over half a million individuals across multiple continents, reveals that the source and form of sugar play crucial roles in disease risk. Notably, sugar intake through beverages such as soda and fruit juice is consistently associated with a higher likelihood of developing T2D. Conversely, intake of sugars from solid foods like whole fruits, dairy, and grains appears to have no adverse effect and may even offer protective benefits.

The study found that each additional 12-ounce serving of sugar-sweetened beverages increases T2D risk by approximately 25%. This rise in risk begins from the very first daily serving, emphasizing that there appears to be no safe threshold for liquid sugar intake. Similarly, consuming an extra 8-ounce serving of fruit juice daily raises T2D risk by about 5%. It’s important to note that these are relative risks; for example, if the baseline risk is around 10%, daily soda consumption could potentially double that risk.

Interestingly, higher intakes of total sucrose and added sugars from natural and refined sources showed an inverse relationship with T2D risk, suggesting a more complex role of sugar depending on its source. The underlying reason why sugary drinks are more harmful than solid sugar intake may relate to their metabolic effects—liquid sugars rapidly impact blood glucose and overload the liver, leading to increased fat accumulation and insulin resistance. In contrast, sugars in nutrient-dense foods like whole fruits are digested more slowly, thanks to fiber and other nutrients, resulting in less metabolic disturbance.

Despite the presence of vitamins and nutrients, fruit juice is not an ideal substitute for whole fruits since its high sugar content can impair metabolic health. The researchers advocate for stricter guidelines on liquid sugars and emphasize that future dietary recommendations should differentiate between sugar sources and their health impacts.

This study underscores the importance of considering how and from where we consume sugars, especially through beverages, in efforts to curb the rising tide of type 2 diabetes. Adopting informed dietary choices can significantly influence disease prevention and overall metabolic well-being.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-sugar-consumed-soda-fruit-juice.html