Data continues to uncover new reasons behind surge in diabetes cases, and a groundbreaking new study revealed that not all sugars carry same health risks, especially when it comes to Type 2 Diabetes. While sugar has long been linked with disease, researchers now say that the form in which sugar is consumed makes a quite difference.
The study conducted by Brigham Young University and published in journal Advances in Nutrition analyzed data from over half million individuals across several countries, offering most detailed insight yet into how different types of sugar affect metabolic health.
Liquid Sugar – The Main Culprit behind Diabetes
The study found that sugar consumed through beverages, such as sodas, soft drinks, and fruit juices, increases risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. According to the research, each additional 12-ounce serving of sugary drinks per day raises the risk by 25pc.
Even consuming just one sugary drink a day can increase likelihood of developing this chronic disease, the researchers warned. For instance, individuals who consume four soft drinks daily may see their risk surge by up to 20pc.
In contrast, solid sugar intake like sugar consumed through food was not found to pose the same level of risk. For example, consuming 20 grams of sugar per day in solid form does not significantly elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers explained that liquid sugar has more direct and harmful impact on liver metabolism, leading to increased fat accumulation in the liver and higher insulin resistance—two key factors in the development of type 2 diabetes.
On the hand, naturally sweet foods like fruits, milk, and dairy products do not have the same adverse effects on liver function. While fruit juices may contain vitamins and nutrients, their high sugar content largely negates these benefits when consumed frequently.
Fruit juices, despite containing some nutrients, still contribute significantly to the risk due to their high sugar content.
“This is the first large-scale study to directly compare different forms of sugar in relation to type 2 diabetes,” said the researchers. “The results are clear—liquid sugar from sugary beverages is significantly more harmful and should be limited to protect long-term health.”
As type 2 diabetes continues to rise globally, public health experts hope these findings will influence dietary guidelines and raise awareness about the hidden dangers of sugary drinks.
