Sugary drinks can increase risk of early death - diabetes type 2 warning

Woman drinking coffee at desk

Swapping to coffee can reduce the chance of early death, one study suggested

PEXELS
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 25/08/2023

- 12:02

Updated: 16/10/2023

- 16:15

Those who suffer from diabetes type 2 should be careful what they consume. Swapping high sugar drinks for coffee could reduce the chance of early death

Most people know that an overconsumption of alcohol can increase the chances of developing various illnesses.

However, research has suggested soft drinks could also put Britons at risk.


The research was published this year by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and looked at the effects of various drinks on those with type 2 diabetes.

The study looked at data from more than 12,000 participants who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at some point during the survey.

Cola and ice in a glass

Sugary drinks could increase the risk of early death

PEXELS

It looked at what they drank and how this affected their health.

The study focused on sugar-sweetened beverages (such as sodas, fruit punch and lemonade), artificially sweetened beverages, fruit juice, coffee, tea, low-fat cow’s milk, full-fat cow’s milk, and plain water.

The results showed an eight per cent higher risk of early death and death by cardiovascular disease (CVD) in those who consumed more sugary drinks compared to those drinking healthier beverages.

Swapping a sugar-sweetened beverage for water once a day would reduce the risk of all-cause mortality by 16 per cent, and the risk of death by CVD by 20 per cent.

Switching sugary drinks to coffee would cut the chance of all-cause mortality by 18 per cent and CVD by 20 per cent.

Making the swap from a sugary drink, such as non-diet soda, for a sugar free alternative would also be enough to improve health, according to the study.

Doing this would lower the risk of all-cause mortality by eight per cent and it results in a 15 per cent lower risk in CVD mortality.

Lead author Qi Sun said: "People living with diabetes should be picky about how they keep themselves hydrated.

Sugar cubes diabetes

Diabetes type 2 is caused when the level of sugar in the blood is too high

PEXELS

“Switching from sugar-sweetened beverages to healthier beverages will bring health benefits.”

Diabetes type 2 is caused when the level of sugar in the blood is too high.

When this occurs, those with the condition need to be mindful of what they consume.

The research suggested taking healthier drinks instead of sugary beverages could make a big difference.

You may like