Not many of us think of health repercussions while turning to a refreshing canned drink on a hot day. Beverages like flavored sodas and fruit juices are packed with refined sugar and have little nutritional benefits. They have long been associated with Type-2 diabetes but continue to be popular globally.
Earlier this January, a revealing study published in Nature Medicine brought causal factors for diabetes into question again.
The research indicates that some people have a greater risk of developing diabetes from sugary drinks than others. The general observation suggests that men are more susceptible than women, with younger and better-educated adults at higher risk than older adults with less education.
The study, supported by the Gates Foundation and the American Heart Association, opened a can of worms. As healthcare professionals and individuals, how can we lower our risk of Type-2 diabetes from innocuous drinks without calling for a blanket ban?
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