Diseases & Conditions

Sugary drinks appear to increase health risks for people with diabetes

Research we're watching

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
  • Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor

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People with type 2 diabetes have higher risks of developing cardiovascular disease or dying earlier if they drink a lot of sugary beverages, including soda, fruit punch, or lemonade, a new study suggests. But that risk is lower if they drink healthier choices.

The Harvard-led study, published online April 19, 2023, by The BMJ, involved 9,252 women and 3,519 men who were diagnosed with diabetes at the study's start or at some point during the following 18.5 years. Every two to four years, participants reported how often they drank sugary beverages, artificially sweetened drinks, fruit juice, coffee, tea, low- or full-fat cow's milk, or water.

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About the Author

photo of Maureen Salamon

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Maureen Salamon is executive editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch. She began her career as a newspaper reporter and later covered health and medicine for a wide variety of websites, magazines, and hospitals. Her work has … See Full Bio
View all posts by Maureen Salamon

About the Reviewer

photo of Toni Golen, MD

Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor

Dr. Toni Golen is a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, practicing in Boston. Dr. Golen completed her residency training at George Washington University Medical Center in 1995, and is an associate professor at Harvard Medical … See Full Bio
View all posts by Toni Golen, MD

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