A recent study reveals that limiting sugar intake during early development could reduce the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure later in life, an effect observed in those conceived and born in the United Kingdom during World War II’s sugar rationing period.
Published in Science, the study links reduced sugar exposure during the critical “first 1,000 days”—from conception through two years post-birth—to lower rates of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Researchers used the natural circumstances of WWII rationing, which restricted daily sugar intake to about 40 grams per person, to compare health outcomes between those conceived during rationing and those born after it ended in 1953. Post-rationing, sugar consumption surged to around 80 grams per day.
Using the UK Biobank’s database, scientists analyzed the records of 60,000 adults born between 1951 and 1956, some of whom were conceived during rationing. Among these, over 3,900 developed type 2 diabetes and roughly 19,600 developed hypertension. Those conceived during rationing were 35% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and 20% less likely to develop hypertension, often avoiding these conditions until later in life—by an average of four years for diabetes and two years for hypertension.
The study also observed a “dose-response relationship”: the longer participants were exposed to rationing in utero and early life, the lower their risk for these diseases. Those conceived and born entirely within the rationing period had the lowest risk, while those conceived during rationing but born after it ended faced higher risks.
Experts have proposed several theories for this impact. Reduced sugar intake during early development might reduce long-term sugar preferences or prevent changes in fetal development that lead to nutrient-processing issues. Notably, this effect was not seen in unrelated conditions, like type 1 diabetes, further indicating sugar’s unique role.
“While the connection between sugar and health is known, the magnitude of this study’s findings is surprising,” says study co-author Claire Boone from McGill University. Similar to the effects of lifelong vegetarianism or quitting smoking, the health benefits of rationing were profound.
These findings suggest that moderating sugar intake in early life can contribute significantly to lifelong health, though researchers caution against strict sugar bans or guilt. Occasional sugary treats, they note, are not cause for concern.
“Reducing added sugar during early development is a simple, powerful way to set children on a healthy path,” says co-author Tadeja Gračner of the University of Southern California, underscoring that this research aims to support rather than pressure parents.
Related topics:
Breakthrough Study Reveals Potential Cure for Type 1 Diabetes Through Reprogrammed Fat Cells
Addressing Diabetes Inequities: A Critical Challenge for Europe’s Healthcare Systems
Impact of 1950s Sugar Rationing on Hypertension and Diabetes Risks
