Two studies confirm no link between 100% fruit juice consumption and type 2 diabetes

There is no increased risk of type 2 diabetes in those who consume 100% fruit juice, according to two new studies published in the Journal of Nutrition and Diabetes Care.

In the first study, authors tracked the diets and health of nearly 10,000 healthy Americans of Latino heritage. Compared with individuals who consumed <1 serving per day of sugar-sweetened beverages, individuals who consumed >2 servings per day had 30% greater odds of having prediabetes and higher glucose metabolism markers. However, this was not seen with 100% fruit juice. According to the authors “Intake of 100% fruit juice was not significantly associated with prediabetes nor with glucose metabolism markers.”

The second study is a large, ongoing survey of UK adults which found that risk of developing type 2 diabetes was 11% greater when people consumed a diet high in chocolate and confectionery, butter, low-fibre bread, sugars and preserves, but low in fruits and vegetables. In contrast, a diet high in fruit juice, sugar-sweetened beverages, table sugars and preserves, and low in cheese and butter was not associated with type 2 diabetes risk.

Both studies provide evidence that 100% fruit juices are not associated with risk of type 2 diabetes, despite their natural sugar content.

References

Moon et al. (2021). Association of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption with Prediabetes and Glucose Metabolism Markers in Hispanic/Latino Adults in the United States: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). J Nutr. 152(1):235-245. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxab334.

Gao et al (2021). Associations Between Dietary Patterns and Incident Type 2 Diabetes: Prospective Cohort Study of 120,343 UK Biobank Participants. Diabetes Care. dc212258. doi: 10.2337/dc21-2258.