New research from Brigham Young University (BYU), in collaboration with German institutions, reveals that drinking sugar, particularly from sodas and even fruit juices, significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Surprisingly, sugars consumed in solid foods do not pose the same risk, and in some cases, may even offer a slight protective effect. This challenges conventional wisdom about sugar consumption and diabetes.
The Alarming Truth About Liquid Sugar
A comprehensive analysis of data from over half a million people worldwide has illuminated a stark difference in how the body processes sugar based on its form. The study found that:
- Each additional daily serving of a sugar-sweetened beverage (like soda, energy drinks, or sports drinks) increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 25%.
- Fruit juice, often perceived as a healthy alternative, still carried a 5% higher risk with each additional 8-ounce serving.
- This direct relationship was observed from the very first sugary drink consumed daily.
Karen Della Corte, the study’s lead author and nutritional science professor at BYU, emphasized that “This is the first study to draw clear dose-response relationships between different sugar sources and type 2 diabetes risk. It highlights why drinking your sugar—whether from soda or juice—is more problematic for health than eating it.”
Why Liquid Sugar Is Worse
The primary reason liquid sugars are more detrimental lies in their rapid absorption. Sugary beverages quickly deliver large amounts of sugar into the bloodstream, overwhelming the liver and leading to increased fat storage, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Unlike solid foods, which often contain beneficial nutrients, fibers, and proteins that slow down sugar absorption, liquid sugars lack these mitigating factors.
Fruit Juice: A Misunderstood “Healthy” Option
