Fruit Drinks Linked to Type 2 Diabetes

An article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine details the conclusion that fruit drinks, not just soft drinks, link to increase cases of Type 2 Diabetes in African-American women.

In a survey done over the past 13 years with over 59,000 participants, the results were as follows:

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was higher with higher intake of both sugar-sweetened soft drinks and fruit drinks. After adjustment for confounding variables including other dietary factors, the incidence rate ratio for 2 or more soft drinks per day was 1.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.45). For fruit drinks, the comparable incidence rate ratio was 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.52). The association of diabetes with soft drink consumption was almost entirely mediated by body mass index, whereas the association with fruit drink consumption was independent of body mass index.

credit: paintmoonsred

Fruit Drinks Linked to Diabetes

The conclusion:

Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and fruit drinks is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in African American women. While there has been increasing public awareness of the adverse health effects of soft drinks, little attention has been given to fruit drinks, which are often marketed as a healthier alternative to soft drinks.

So what does this mean?

The orange Hi-C, red Kool-aid, and Hawaiian Fruit punch that seem to be staples in our community are killing us. Let’s also not forget the suger-enriched Vitamin Water your pal 50 cent hocks to the masses (which sux b/c I actually LIKE Vitamin Water).

Some more numbers:

Women who drank at least two regular soft drinks per day were 24% more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than women who drank less than one soft drink per month. Weight gain appeared to account for some of the increased risk in soda drinkers.

Women who drank at least two sweetened fruit drinks per day were 31% more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than women who drank less than one sweetened fruit drink per day, the study also states.

The researchers, who included Julie Palmer, ScD, of Boston University, note that sweetened fruit drinks “are often marketed as a healthier alternative to soft drinks” but may have at least as many calories as a regular soda.

Dah well. The foods we’ve been raised on, grown up with, and love continue to scientifically show their ass.

Echoing the sentiment of the recent Nas track, Fried Chicken:

Misses Fried Chicken
You was my addiction
Dripping with cholest’
Like Greeks with his felafel
Or Italians with his to-mato
Pasta
Or roti is to a Rasta
Trapping me
You and your friend mac and cheese
Candy yams, collard greens
But you knocking me to my knees
It’s killing me when I miss, ah
Nothing I need more than a fish fry

WebMD has some interesting tips to help prevent your risk.

Are any of you planning to change your diet?