A new study by Brigham Young University has found a significant link between sugar-sweetened beverages and the increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The research, conducted in collaboration with German universities, reveals that consuming sugary drinks daily can elevate the risk of diabetes by 25%. In contrast, solid sugars paired with fat, fiber, or protein showed no significant association with diabetes risk.
According to Karen Della Corte, assistant professor of nutritional science at BYU and lead author of the study, the findings suggest that the impact of sugar in the body depends not only on the amount but also on how it is delivered. The study’s dose-response relationship demonstrates that sugary drinks deliver large amounts of sugar quickly, flooding the system fast and overwhelming the body’s ability to process it in a healthy way.
The researchers found that consuming sugary drinks with each additional serving per day increased the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 25%. In contrast, fruit juice consumption was associated with a smaller increase in risk. The study also suggests that moderate amounts of total sugar intake, up to 60 grams per day, may actually lower the risk of diabetes.
While some sources of sugar consumption had no significant association or were even linked to reduced diabetes risk, Della Corte emphasizes that completely cutting out sugar is not the solution. Rather, she recommends changing the way we consume it and focusing on public health guidelines that reflect the nuance in sugar’s impact on different contexts.
The study’s findings have significant implications for the growing epidemic of diabetes, with nearly 12% of Americans living with the condition and 38% having prediabetes. Della Corte hopes that more accurate information about sugar’s role will help correct misinformation and inform effective prevention strategies.
As a next step, Della Corte plans to investigate comparing sugar-containing food sources and foods with higher glycemic indexes to identify suitable substitutes for those associated with increased diabetes risk.
Source: https://www.ksl.com/article/51320859/the-nutritional-villain-byu-study-says-drinking-sugar-poses-higher-risk-for-diabetes-than-eating-it