New research indicates that sugary drinks can be more harmful than sweet foods

New research has shown that sugar in sweetened beverages may be more harmful to health than naturally occurring sugar in foods such as whole fruits, which could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Conducted by Canadian researchers, including a team from St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, this new study analyzed 155 studies involving 5,086 participants, looking at the effect of different sources of fructose sugars on blood sugar levels in participants with or without diabetes. .

Fructose is a naturally occurring sugar in a range of foods, including whole fruits and vegetables, natural fruit juices and honey, but it is also added to foods such as soft drinks, cereals for breakfast, baked goods, sweets and desserts as "free sugars". & # 39;

The results, published by the BMJ, suggest that sugary drinks and some other foods containing fructose can have adverse effects on blood glucose, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin – the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels – or when the body can not use insulin effectively. that it produces.

However, fruits and other foods containing natural fructose do not appear to have a negative effect on blood glucose levels.

In fact, researchers have found that fruit and fruit juice can have beneficial effects on the control of blood sugar and insulin, especially in diabetics, probably because of the high fiber content of fruits, helping to slow the release of sugars.

Current guidelines already recommend limiting the consumption of free sugars, especially those in sweetened beverages, and there is growing evidence that fructose may be harmful to health.

However, the researchers noted that the review had some limitations, such as reduced sample size in included studies, short follow-up periods, and some studies with a limited number of foods.

"These findings could help guide recommendations on important dietary sources of fructose in the prevention and management of diabetes," said Dr. John Sievenpiper, lead author of the study. "But the level of evidence is low and more high-quality studies are needed."