A new study found that sugar in drinks like soda increases type 2 diabetes risk by 25%, while sugar in whole foods does not. Researchers from Brigham Young University and Germany analyzed data from over 800,000 people across the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. The study, published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, identified that beverages like soda and fruit juice are linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while sugar in whole foods does not show an increased risk. The findings suggest that the delivery of sugar in drinks overwhelms the body’s ability to manage blood glucose, whereas whole foods provide fiber, protein, and fat that help regulate blood sugar levels.
The study highlights that each 12-ounce serving of sugar-sweetened beverages significantly increases diabetes risk, while even 8-ounce servings of fruit juice have a smaller impact, according to the data. However, the risks are relative; for example, a person with a 10% chance of developing type 2 diabetes could see their risk rise to about 20% with daily consumption of four sodas. Meanwhile, natural sugars in whole foods like fruit or even some added sugars in fiber-rich foods appear to be protective, not harmful.
The study challenges existing dietary guidelines, which often lump all sugars together or focus broadly on added sugars. Karen Della Corte, the lead author, emphasized that the way sugar is consumed matters more than the amount. The researchers noted that sugary drinks deliver large, rapidly absorbed sugar with no fiber, protein, or fat to slow digestion, which can overwhelm the body’s ability to manage blood glucose and insulin. In contrast, sugars in whole foods are absorbed more slowly due to accompanying nutrients.
While the study is observational and cannot prove causation, the findings suggest a strong link between sugary drinks and diabetes that is independent of other lifestyle factors. Della Corte pointed out that the risk persists regardless of physical activity, weight, or smoking, indicating that sugary drinks have a unique harmful effect. Over 38 million Americans have diabetes, with diabetes rates rising significantly over the past two decades. Experts now call for dietary guidelines to focus not only on the amount of sugar but also on how it is consumed.
The study also highlights the need for further research on how different forms and contexts of sugar affect metabolism and insulin response. Della Corte added that while there is room for moderate sugar consumption, the form and context are crucial. The study has sparked discussions about the potential for controlled trials to better understand the long-term effects of sugar on the liver and its impact on type 2 diabetes risk. Researchers continue to call for more studies to clarify the role of sugar in health and the potential benefits or harms of its consumption in different forms.