30 Jan Added Sugar More Harmful Than Other Carbohydrates For Promoting Diabetes

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
James J. DiNicolantonio, PharmD
Associate Editor BMJ Open Heart
Cardiovascular Research Scientist
Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. DiNicolantonio: We performed a comprehensive literature review comparing the isocaloric exchange of added sugars (sucrose, also known as table sugar, or high fructose corn syrup) versus other types of carbohydrates (such as lactose found in milk, glucose, starch, or dextrose).  Our main findings were that “a calorie isn’t a calorie,” i.e., that added sugars are more harmful than other carbohydrates even when matched for calories for promoting pre-diabetes and diabetes and the related morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. DiNicolantonio: Clinicians should be advised that certain dietary guidelines like the 2010 US Dietary Guidelines and the IOM are putting the population at risk of prediabetes and diabetes and it’s related morbidity and mortality by allowing such high levels of added sugars to be recommended (i.e, 19% and 25% of total calories, respectively).

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. DiNicolantonio: Longer trials would be recommended, and would likely show even greater harm from consuming added sugars versus other types of carbohydrates.

Citation:

James J. DiNicolantonio, James H. O’Keefe, Sean C. Lucan. Added Fructose: A Principal Driver of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Consequences. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2015; DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.12.019

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James J. DiNicolantonio, PharmD, Associate Editor BMJ Open Heart, Cardiovascular Research Scientist, & Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute (2015). Added Sugar More Harmful Than Other Carbohydrates For Promoting Diabetes MedicalResearch.com

Last Updated on June 4, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD