Diabetes Risk Increased By Drinking Just One Sugary Drink Per Day
A study has revealed that drinking just one sugary drink per day can increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by one fifth.
The study, which involved more than 30,000 adults in eight European countries, was overseen by the Medical Research Council’s epidemiology unit. The research revealed that drinking just 12oz, equivalent to one can of pop, of sugary drink per day increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 22 per cent.
The study was carried out shortly after a study in the USA revealed similar findings; researchers at University College London wanted to see if a study carried out in Europe would show similar findings, as fizzy drink consumption is lower in Europe than America.
Professor Nick Wareham said that the recent research lends support to studies that have been carried out all over the world and suggests that drinking sugary drinks increases the risk of diabetes and obesity. Professor Wareham added that the findings of the study suggest that people should restrict their intake of sugary beverages.
The study showed that drinking one 12oz serving of a sugary drink per day increased the risk of diabetes by 22 per cent and this figure doubled for people drinking two 12oz sugary drinks per day.
Diabetes is one of the most serious issues facing the NHS in the UK, with the number of Britons diagnosed with the condition reaching 3 million for the first time last year.
Sugary drinks have also been condemned by dental experts with increased sugar consumption one of the leading causes of high rates of decay among young children. Sugary drinks weaken the tooth enamel, increasing the risk of damage and cavities.
Dr Matthew Hobbs, from DiabetesUK, said that the study involved a large number of people, meaning that it was unlikely that the findings came about “by chance.”
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It is well-known that diabetes is the result of many different factors, including obesity and family history. The study reported above does not look at causation and so cannot tell us if consuming soft drinks, or any other food or drink, is a further cause of diabetes. In addition, the survey is based on information about people’s food choices that is up to 16 years old, which is not going to be a very good guide as to what people are eating and drinking today.
Soft drinks are safe to consume but, like all other food and drink, should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.