Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 28: If you enjoy sipping on soda, fruit juice, or energy drinks, you might want to reconsider. A new global study led by researchers from Brigham Young University (BYU) warns that even moderate consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages could significantly increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, the study analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals across several continents. It revealed that drinking just one 350 ml serving of sugar-sweetened beverages (like soda, sports drinks, or energy drinks) per day increases the risk of developing T2D by a striking 25%.
“This is the first study to draw clear dose-response relationships between different sugar sources and type 2 diabetes risk,” said lead researcher Karen Della Corte, a nutritional science professor at BYU. “It highlights why drinking your sugar – whether from soda or juice – is more problematic for health than eating it.”
The research also found that even 100% fruit juices, often perceived as healthy, aren’t off the hook. A daily additional 250 ml serving of fruit juice—such as nectar or juice blends—increased T2D risk by 5%.
The key issue, researchers explained, is how the body processes "liquid sugars." These sugars, when consumed in beverages, act more rapidly on blood glucose levels and place extra stress on the liver. This metabolic overload can contribute to liver fat accumulation and insulin resistance, two major risk factors for T2D.
In contrast, sugars naturally present in nutrient-rich whole foods—like fruits, whole grains, and dairy—don't have the same effect. These “embedded sugars” are absorbed more slowly due to the presence of fiber, proteins, and fats, which temper the body's glycemic response.
“This study underscores the need for even more stringent recommendations for liquid sugars,” Della Corte said. “They appear to have a disproportionately harmful effect on metabolic health.”
Health experts are now emphasizing moderation and encouraging the public to prioritize whole foods over sweetened beverages—even those marketed as “natural” or “healthy.”