Drinking Sugary Beverages Daily Linked to Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Study

Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks like soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices may significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), a new study has found.

Researchers from Brigham Young University in the US analyzed data from over 500,000 people worldwide and discovered that with each additional 350 ml serving of sugary beverages consumed daily, the risk of T2D rose by 25%. Even one daily serving was enough to raise the risk, indicating there’s no safe lower limit.

The study, published in Advances in Nutrition, also found that drinking 250 ml of fruit juice per day – including 100% juice and juice drinks – was associated with a 5% higher risk of developing the disease.

“This is the first study to clearly show how the risk of diabetes increases with greater intake of different sugar sources,” said lead author Karen Della Corte, a professor of nutritional science at BYU. “It emphasizes that drinking sugar, whether from soda or juice, is worse for your health than eating it.”

The research points out that sugars in whole foods like fruits, dairy, or whole grains don’t have the same harmful impact. These foods contain fiber, fats, proteins, and other nutrients that slow the body’s glucose response and help prevent metabolic overload.

On the other hand, sugar-sweetened drinks contain isolated sugars that spike blood sugar levels and strain the liver, contributing to insulin resistance and increased fat in the liver.

The researchers call for stronger public health guidelines limiting liquid sugar consumption due to its clear link with poor metabolic health.