Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi (DD)

New Delhi, May 29: If you enjoy your daily glass of soda or fruit juice, it might be time to think twice. A groundbreaking international study has linked sugary beverages to a sharp rise in type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk — with no safe minimum dose.

Researchers from Brigham Young University (BYU), USA, have uncovered alarming data from over 500,000 individuals worldwide, establishing a strong link between sugar-sweetened beverages — including soft drinks, energy drinks, and even 100% fruit juices — and the growing diabetes epidemic.

Published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, the study reveals that each 350 ml serving of sugary beverages daily increases the risk of T2D by a staggering 25%. Even fruit juices, long considered the "healthy" choice, are now under scrutiny. An additional 250 ml serving of juice per day could raise diabetes risk by 5%, the study found.

“This is the first study to clearly draw dose-response relationships between different sugar sources and diabetes risk,” explained Karen Della Corte, the lead researcher and a nutritional sciences professor at BYU. “Liquid sugars, whether from soda or juice, are far more damaging than when sugar is consumed with fiber-rich foods like fruits.”

Experts explain that sugar in liquid form leads to rapid spikes in blood glucose, placing extreme strain on the liver. This contributes to increased liver fat and insulin resistance — key pathways leading to type 2 diabetes.

Unlike sugary drinks, natural sugars in whole fruits, dairy, and grains are embedded in fiber, proteins, and fats that slow absorption and minimize metabolic disruption.

“People often assume fruit juices are a healthy alternative, but when the fiber is stripped away, it behaves just like soda in the body,” warned Della Corte.

Public health advocates are now urging stricter dietary guidelines. “This research highlights the urgent need to limit liquid sugar intake — especially in children and adolescents who are major consumers,” Della Corte added.

As India continues to battle rising diabetes cases — with over 100 million people currently living with the condition — this study serves as a wake-up call. Health professionals recommend switching to water, unsweetened herbal teas, or consuming whole fruits instead of juices.

In a society increasingly reliant on processed and packaged beverages, this research adds weight to the growing call for clear labeling, public awareness campaigns, and regulated advertising.