Sugary drinks ‘greater risk’
ARTIFICIALLY sweetened drinks put people at a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than other sugary foods, a study has warned.
Researchers found that products with added fructose introduce excess “nutrient poor” energy into the diet and can have a harmful effect on blood sugar levels.
However that was not the case with food and drink where fructose occurs naturally such as in whole fruit and juice, vegetables and honey.
Previously it was unclear whether avoiding food where free sugars occur naturally could also be beneficial.
The current advice is just to reduce the amount of items where “free sugars” are added such as soft drinks, breakfast cereals, sweets and desserts.
Researchers compiled results from 155 studies that looked into how different foods containing fructose sugars affect blood glucose levels in people with and without diabetes.
They found most foods containing fructose sugars do not have a harmful effect on blood glucose levels as long as they do not provide too many calories.
Fruit and juice may even have beneficial effects on blood glucose and insulin control, especially in people with diabetes.
But foods that add excess “nutrient poor” energy to the diet, especially sweetened drinks, seem to have the most harmful effects on health.
The researchers, based in the Canadian city of Toronto, said the higher fibre content of fruit could help to explain the improvements in blood glucose levels, as it slows down the release of sugars.
Lead author Dr John Sievenpiper said more studies were needed but added: “These findings might help guide recommendations on important food sources of fructose in diabetes prevention and management.
“Public health professionals should be aware harmful effects of fructose sugars on blood glucose seem to be mediated by energy and food source.”