Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and fruit juice and incidence of type 2 diabetes:
The objective of the study was to study the link between the consumption of sugars-sweetened beverages and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the United States and the United Kingdom. The study also looked at the potential link between the incidence of type 2 diabetes and the consumption of artificially-sweetened beverages and fruit juice. They were all adjusted for adiposity – in other words, the researchers took account of each patient’s obesity status.
The study found that consumption of sugars-sweetened beverages was associated with a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes. It also found that artificially sweetened drinks and fruit juices also showed a positive association with type 2 diabetes; however the evidence was not as strong.
Nevertheless, the authors have recommended that both artificially sweetened drinks and fruit juice stop being thought of as suitable alternatives to sugars-sweetened drinks. For a long time, artificially sweetened beverages and fruit juices have been considered ‘healthier’ options to sugars-sweetened beverages, however there is little evidence to suggest that they are beneficial. Therefore, the researchers have concluded that these drinks are unlikely to be healthy alternatives.
To read the full paper, click here [PDF 545KB].
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