A study published yesterday in a U.S. medical journal shatters preconceived ideas about the “light” drinks. In fact, these drinks are likely to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women. More than sugary drinks.
For all those who feel good by drinking “light”, sweetened with sweeteners which therefore have fewer calories, the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition come as a surprise. In fact, researchers from Inserm, which followed more than 66,000 women since 1993, found that women consuming “light” beverages have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A risk that proved even more important than in the consumption of sugary drinks. Consumption of diet sodas is indeed associated with a 2.3-fold risk of developing diabetes compared to women who did not consume sugary drinks, while the consumption of ordinary sweetened beverages multiplies the risk by 1, 5.
Such a result can be explained by the fact that, surprisingly, “light” drinks increase sugar levels in the blood and thus cause insulin spikes. And it is the repetition of these peaks that lead to insulin resistance, characteristic of type 2 diabetes. The repetition is more important because women consuming “light” drinks would drink on average more than those consuming sugary drinks (in average 2.8 glasses a week as opposed to 1.6 glasses a week).
Researchers from Inserm, Françoise Clavel-Chapelon and Guy Fagherazzi, also found that “the risk of developing diabetes increases with the amount.” It therefore appears that for the new generation, which drinks a lot of “light” drinks, this study could disrupt the habits. “This is the first French study which highlights this risk factor, but it takes a body of evidence (…) We are not here to say that we must stop this or that type of drink,” explains the authors who expect the conclusions of other studies to confirm their results.
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