In response to “Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and fruit juice and incidence of type 2 diabetes; systematic review, meta-analysis, and estimation of population attributable fraction,” a paper published today in the British Medical Journal, the American Beverage Association issued the following statement:

 

Statement:

 

“The authors of this study acknowledge their findings do not show drinking beverages of any type causes chronic disease. Even so, our industry is committed to being part of real solutions to public health challenges. We are helping people manage their calorie and sugar intake by providing a wide range of beverage options, a variety of package sizes and clear, easy-to-read information to help them make the choice that’s right for them.  And with our latest initiative – Balance Calories – we are working toward a common goal of reducing beverage calories in the American diet by 20 percent by 2025.”

 

Additional Background Information:

On the Study:

This study is a meta-analysis and therefore cannot show cause and effect.  According to leading health organizations, beverage consumption is not a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and that is not changed by this study.  Furthermore, the study has a number of limitations, including dietary measurement and lack of control for confounders.

 

On Diabetes:

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), those at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes include certain racial and ethnic groups (such as Hispanic/Latino, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives), as well as those who: are over age 45; have a family history of diabetes; are overweight; do not exercise regularly; have low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides; have high blood pressure; have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG); have a history of cardiovascular disease; have polycystic ovary syndrome; have other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition which looked at eight European countries found no association between digestible carbohydrate, including sugar, and diabetes risk.

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

 

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