New research reveals varying health dangers associated with different sugar sources
A groundbreaking study published in 2025 has revealed that consuming sugar in beverages, such as soda and fruit juice, significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), whereas sugar consumed in solid foods does not show this strong association.
The study, conducted by researchers from Brigham Young University, reviewed data from 29 long-term studies involving over 800,000 people across multiple continents. Lead author Karen Della Corte emphasized that the health impact of sugar depends greatly on how it is consumed, rather than lumping all sugars together.
Each daily 12-ounce serving of sugar-sweetened beverages increases T2D risk by 25%, while each 8-ounce serving of fruit juice raises it by 5%. In contrast, sugar consumed in solid foods does not show this increased risk.
Furthermore, related research from Australia found that artificially sweetened beverages also pose an increased risk. Drinking one can of diet soda daily was associated with a 38% higher risk of T2D, which is even greater than the risk increase linked to sugar-sweetened beverages (23%).
These findings underscore that sugar in drinks, rather than sugar per se, is a more significant contributor to developing T2D. Della Corte stated that the study highlights the need for stricter recommendations against liquid sugars, particularly those in sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice.
Interestingly, the study found that small amounts of sugar in food may have a protective effect against T2D compared to liquid sugars. Small daily amounts of sugar eaten in food, like table sugar or naturally occurring sugars in whole foods, were linked with a slightly lower risk of diabetes.
The study's findings could have significant implications for dietary guidelines, as Della Corte suggested that future guidelines might consider the differential effects of sugar based on its source and form. This could lead to more targeted advice on reducing sugar consumption, focusing on beverages rather than a blanket reduction of all sugars.
In conclusion, the study provides clear evidence that consuming sugar in beverages, such as soda and fruit juice, significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while sugar consumed in solid foods does not show this strong association. The study also suggests that artificially sweetened beverages may pose a greater risk than sugar-sweetened beverages. These findings underscore the importance of considering the source and form of sugar when making dietary choices.
- The study conducted by Brigham Young University researcher Karen Della Corte indicated that each daily 12-ounce serving of sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by 25%, while each 8-ounce serving of fruit juice raises it by 5%.
- Surprisingly, the Brigham Young University study revealed that small amounts of sugar in food, such as table sugar or naturally occurring sugars in whole foods, were linked with a slightly lower risk of diabetes compared to sugar in liquid forms like drinks.
- Della Corte's study suggested future dietary guidelines should consider the differential effects of sugar based on its source and form, potentially leading to more targeted advice on reducing sugar consumption, focusing on beverages rather than a blanket reduction of all sugars.
