Sugary beverages linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes

October 28, 2010 in Diabetes & Diabetes Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News

Sugary beverages linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes
A new study has found that regular consumption of pop and other sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a clear and consistently greater risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors, such as high blood pressure and excess body fat around the waist, that increase the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and diabetes.

According to researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, the study provides empirical evidence that intake of sugary beverages should be limited to reduce risk of these conditions.

To investigate, researchers conducted a meta-analysis that pooled 11 studies that examined the association between sugar-sweetened beverages, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

The studies included more than 300,000 participants and 15,043 cases of type 2 diabetes, and 19,431 participants and 5,803 cases of metabolic syndrome.

The findings showed that drinking one to two sugary drinks per day increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 26% and the risk of metabolic syndrome by 20% compared with those who consumed less than one sugary drink per month.
Drinking one 12-ounce serving per day increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 15%.

Previous studies have examined the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of diabetes, and most have found positive associations but this study is one of the first to provide an overall picture of the magnitude of risk and the consistency of the evidence.

Researchers warn people should limit how much sugar-sweetened beverages they drink and replace them with healthy alternatives, such as water, to reduce risk of diabetes as well as obesity, gout, tooth decay, and cardiovascular disease

The study appears online in the journal Diabetes Care and will appear in the November print edition.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.