By Samachar Post English Daily
Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas, energy drinks, and even seemingly healthy 100% fruit juices may significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a comprehensive new study by researchers at Brigham Young University in the United States.
Published in the peer-reviewed journal Advances in Nutrition, the study evaluated dietary habits and health outcomes from over 500,000 individuals across several continents, revealing that even moderate daily intake of liquid sugars is associated with a substantial rise in diabetes risk.
The findings point to a clear dose-response relationship — a critical benchmark in epidemiological research — linking higher intake of sweetened beverages with increased incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), with no minimum threshold for safety identified.
Liquid Sugar: A Hidden Danger
The researchers found that each 350 ml daily serving of sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, or sports drinks, was associated with a 25% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Even more modest consumption — for instance, just one can of soda per day — was enough to begin increasing risk significantly.
Interestingly, the study also found that fruit juices, often marketed as a healthier alternative, pose their own risks. A 250 ml serving of fruit juice — whether 100% juice, nectar, or juice drink — was associated with a 5% increase in diabetes risk. While smaller than the risk posed by sodas, this figure is still statistically significant and highlights how naturally occurring sugars in fruit juices, when consumed as liquids, can still contribute to metabolic dysfunction.
The research team emphasized a critical distinction: sugars embedded in whole foods like fruits, dairy, and whole grains do not have the same harmful effect. These sugars are accompanied by fibers, fats, and proteins that moderate blood sugar levels and support healthier metabolism.
“When sugar is embedded in a nutrient-rich matrix, the body processes it more slowly and more efficiently,” explained Dr. Karen Della Corte, lead author of the study and professor of nutritional science at Brigham Young University.
In contrast, liquid sugars — found in sodas, sweetened drinks, and fruit juices — deliver a rapid influx of glucose into the bloodstream, resulting in metabolic overload. This can disrupt liver function, promote fat accumulation, and trigger insulin resistance, all of which are precursors to type 2 diabetes.
A Global Analysis Backed by Robust Data
The strength of the study lies in its scale and scope. Drawing from data collected over years from diverse populations across continents, the analysis accounted for variables like age, gender, lifestyle, and overall diet quality. The consistent pattern across geographical and cultural contexts suggests that the association between liquid sugars and diabetes risk is universal.
Moreover, the study used a rigorous analytical approach to determine the dose-response effect — showing definitively that higher daily intake correlates with higher risk, regardless of individual differences.
“This is the first large-scale study to quantify the direct impact of different types of sugary beverages on type 2 diabetes risk,” said Della Corte. “It clarifies why drinking your sugar — regardless of whether it’s from soda or juice — is more dangerous than eating it.”
Implications for Public Health Policy
The findings arrive at a time when diabetes rates are surging worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that over 422 million people live with diabetes globally, with type 2 diabetes accounting for over 90% of all cases.
Public health authorities have long warned about the risks of sugar-sweetened beverages, but the new study provides strong evidence that even 100% fruit juices — often excluded from soda tax measures and sugar reduction initiatives — should be reconsidered in health guidelines.
“This study shows the need for more targeted public health messaging and potentially more stringent regulatory policies on the consumption of all liquid sugars,” said Della Corte. “The focus should not just be on added sugars, but on the form in which they are consumed.”
What Can Consumers Do?
The key takeaway for individuals is to be mindful of how sugars are consumed, not just how much. Replacing sugar-laden drinks with water, unsweetened teas, or whole fruits is a practical way to reduce the risk of metabolic disease without giving up sweetness altogether.
Nutrition experts advise that whole fruits provide the same natural sugars as juice, but in a much more metabolically favorable package, thanks to their fiber and nutrient content. Similarly, dairy products with naturally occurring lactose can be part of a balanced diet when not heavily processed or sweetened.
For those already at risk for diabetes or with a family history, reducing liquid sugar intake can be an effective preventative step, backed by solid evidence.
Skepticism Around Fruit Juice Marketing
The health halo surrounding fruit juices is now being called into question. Many juice brands emphasize their “100% natural” labels, but as the study highlights, natural does not always mean harmless.
“Fruit juice may come from real fruit, but when you remove the fiber and consume it as a beverage, its glycemic impact resembles that of soda,” said Della Corte.
Parents are especially encouraged to rethink juice as a staple in children’s diets. The American Academy of Pediatrics already recommends limiting juice intake for children, but widespread public belief still frames it as a healthy choice. The new evidence may prompt a reassessment among consumers.
Diabetes Prevention Starts With Dietary Awareness
Beyond beverages, diabetes prevention also hinges on overall dietary patterns. Health authorities recommend focusing on whole foods, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while avoiding ultra-processed products. However, the unique danger posed by sweetened drinks now appears more severe than previously understood.
The study’s findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that liquid sugars are among the most potent and underestimated dietary contributors to type 2 diabetes.
This expansive global analysis draws a firm connection between the daily consumption of sugar-laden beverages and the increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Whether from soda, energy drinks, or even 100% fruit juice, the study underscores that liquid sugars disrupt metabolism more aggressively than sugars embedded in whole foods.
It emphasizes the urgent need for clearer public messaging and more comprehensive dietary guidelines that consider not just the quantity of sugar, but also how and in what form it is consumed. As type 2 diabetes continues to rise worldwide, this research offers a crucial piece of the prevention puzzle — one that consumers and policymakers alike can no longer afford to ignore.
