Regular drinking of sugary drinks ‘linked with prediabetes’

Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been associated with a higher risk of developing prediabetes.

Tufts University research has analysed longitudinal data on 1,685 middle-aged adults over a period of 14 years, looking at multiple generations for lifestyle and clinical characteristics that may contribute to cardiovascular disease.

People who drank the highest amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages – a median of six 12 fluid ounce servings a week – had a significantly greater risk of developing prediabetes compared to low or non-consumers.

The highest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages had roughly eight percent higher insulin resistance scores after follow-up at seven years, even after accounting for changes in weight and other aspects of diet.

Senior study author Dr Nicola McKeown at Tufts University said: "Our findings support recommendations to limit sugar-sweetened beverage intake, which can be achieved by replacing sugary beverages with healthier alternatives such as water or unsweetened coffee or tea."

Diet soda intake showed no statistical associations with risk for either prediabetes or insulin resistance in this study, although previous research on the relationship between diet sodas and type 2 diabetes has delivered a mixed verdict.

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