High-sugar diets have long been linked with a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes, yet recent findings suggest not all sugary consumables pose the same danger.
Pioneering research spearheaded by Brigham Young University (BYU) in the US evaluated data from more than 500,000 people spread across several continents and revealed a striking connection. With every additional 354ml serving of sugar-laden drinks consumed per day, the chances of contracting type 2 diabetes surged by 25%.
Crucially, this encompassed not only sugar-laden energy drinks and sports drinks but also several other popular soft beverages. “This is the first study to draw clear dose-response relationships between different sugar sources and type 2 diabetes risk,” Karen Della Corte, lead author and BYU professor, said.
“It highlights why drinking your sugar — whether from soda or juice — is more problematic for health than eating it.” The consumption of sugary drinks may pose a more severe threat than solid sweet foods due to what experts call ‘isolated sugars’.
These sugars dramatically affect the liver’s glycemic control, potentially fostering the build-up of liver fat and a rise in insulin resistance, a key factor in the emergence of type 2 diabetes.
On the flip side, researchers posit that dietary sugars ingested through food don’t overwhelm the liver in the same way, leading to a steadier blood glucose uptake.
For this reason, even ‘healthier’ appearing fruit juices don’t offer the same benefits as whole fruits. In fact, researchers also found that with every additional 236ml (8 oz) serving of fruit juice and nectars drunk daily, the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes spiked by 5%.
However, it’s important to recognise that these figures are ‘relative’ to each individual, not ‘absolute’, as several personalised factors come into play. The increased risks also started with the initial serving, but anything below the specified thresholds was deemed safe.
Professor Della Corte continued: “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.
“Rather than condemning all added sugars, future dietary guidelines might consider the differential effects of sugar based on its source and form.”
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Potential red flags of diabetes
According to the NHS, the main primary signs of type 2 diabetes are:
- Overtiredness
- More frequent urination
- Feeling constantly thirsty
- Unexplained weight loss
However, other red flags can be:
- Reoccurring thrush
- Wounds taking a long time to heal
- Blurred vision
- Itching around the penis or vagina
Anyone who is concerned about their symptoms ought to seek medical advice.
