Soda Linked to Diabetes - Even in Fit People

Sugary drinks are often blamed for the rise of type 2 diabetes and obesity, but few studies have examined the relationship between sweetened beverage consumption and people who are already physically fit.

New research from Cambridge University reveals that sugary beverage drinkers - whether they are healthy or not - are more at risk for type 2 diabetes. Current soda consumption, researchers said, is associated with about 2 million excess cases of type 2 diabetes in the U.S. over 10 years.

"This study adds further evidence that sugary drinks are associated with increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, even in non-obese people, suggesting we are all vulnerable," said Aseem Malhotra, spokesperson for the nonprofit group Action on Sugar.

Small changes can cause big results

Recent findings from the EPIC-NOrfolk study suggest that substituting even one sugary drink per day with unsweetened tea, water or coffee could help to reduce risk for type 2 diabetes.

The current study's authors also point out that artificially sweetened beverages or diet drinks may not be the best choice for long-term health.

"These findings together indicate that substituting sugar sweetened drinks with artificially sweetened drinks or fruit juice is unlikely to be the best strategy in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Fumiaki Imamura, lead author of the study, "water or other unsweetened beverages are better options."

Source: University of Cambridge