|
 The link between fructose and diabetes has been unclear. Some
research has suggested this relationship may be explained at least
in part by what people eat and drink and whether they are overweight
or obese.
For the current analysis, researchers examined data from 155 studies
that assessed the effect of different food sources of fructose on
blood glucose levels. Combined, these studies included about 5,000
people with and without diabetes.
Fruit and fruit juices as part of a diet with a healthy amount of
calories appeared to have a slightly beneficial effect on blood
sugar, especially in people with diabetes, the analysis found.
But foods, sodas and juices with lots of calories and few nutrients
seemed to have harmful effects on blood sugar.
Most of this evidence was low quality, however, researchers report
in the BMJ.
"While this analysis did not find consistent effects of fructose per
se on risk for diabetes, results appear to support the adverse
effects of added sugars in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages,"
said Dr. Mark Herman of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
"This analysis also supported potentially beneficial effects of
fruit," Herman, who wasn't involved in the study, said by email. "It
is likely beneficial to restrict consumption of sugar-sweetened
beverages, and someone that is craving something sweet might
consider a piece of fruit instead."
Globally, almost one in 10 adults has diabetes, according to the
World Health Organization. Most have type 2 diabetes, which is
associated with obesity and aging.
Doctors generally advise patients with diabetes and people at high
risk for developing the condition to limit sodas, juices and other
sugary treats with fructose, sucrose or other sweeteners that add
lots of empty calories to the diet. This can help reduce the risk of
weight gain, and help keep blood sugar within a healthy range.
[to top of second column] |
Fructose occurs naturally in a range of foods, including whole
fruits and vegetables, natural fruit juices and honey. It is also
added to foods, such as soft drinks, breakfast cereals, baked goods,
sweets, and desserts.
It's possible fruit and certain other foods with naturally occurring
fructose might help improve blood sugar levels because they are high
in fiber, which can slow down the release of sugars in the blood
stream, the study authors note.
"These findings might help guide recommendations on important food
sources of fructose in the prevention and management of diabetes,"
senior study author Dr. John Sievenpiper of St. Michael's Hospital
in Toronto said in a statement.
Sievenpiper has received money from a variety of food and beverage
companies and advocacy groups including the International Dried
Fruit and Nut Council, Calorie Control Council, Dr. Pepper Snapple
Group, The Coca- Cola Company, and PepsiCo.
Patients should consume sweets in moderation, limit added sugars,
and beware hidden sweeteners in processed foods, said Dr. Valerio
Nobili of University La Sapienza in Rome.
"For example, 1 tablespoon of ketchup contains about 4 grams (about
1 teaspoon) of sugars, while a single can of sweetened soda contains
up to 40 grams (about 10 teaspoons) of sugars," Nobili, who wasn't
involved in the study, said by email.
"Both . . . patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals
should avoid added sugars while increasing the natural sugars, such
as those contained in whole fruit," Nobili advised.
SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2KIqlzt BMJ, online November 21, 2018.
[© 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2018 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
