Contrary to popular belief, a systematic review and meta-analysis did not find an association between total sugar intake and higher risk for type 2 diabetes. It did, however, reinforce the association between intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and, to a lesser degree, fruit juices and type 2 diabetes risk. (Note that this study shows a correlation, not causation. See our September 2025 issue for more on the difference.)
This statistical analysis combined data from 29 prospective cohort studies involving over 800,000 participants. It found:
• Each additional daily serving of sugar-sweetened beverage was associated with a 25 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Each additional serving of fruit juice was associated with a five percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is likely because fruit juice lacks the fiber of whole fruit.
• Higher intake of total sugar, sucrose, fructose, and added sugars were not associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
This study in no way suggests it is okay to consume as much added sugar as you want from food sources. Diets high in added sugars are associated with increased risk of chronic diseases, even if they are not, as this study suggests, directly responsible for increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Keep added sugars to a minimum, avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, and get your sweet fix from fruits as much as possible.