A recent study suggests that drinking fruit juice, such as a daily glass of orange juice, may increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Researchers from Brigham Young University (BYU) have found that consuming sugar in liquid form is more likely to lead to diabetes than eating it through solid foods.
Dr. Karen Della Corte, a BYU nutritional science professor and the study’s lead author, explained, “This is the first study to establish clear dose-response relationships between different sugar sources and Type 2 diabetes risk. It highlights why drinking sugar—whether from soda or juice—is more harmful to health than eating it.”
Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, affects over 37 million adults in the U.S. It occurs when the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells don’t properly respond to insulin. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage vital organs, including the eyes, kidneys, and heart.
The research team analyzed data from 29 studies on the relationship between sugar consumption and Type 2 diabetes. These studies included data from over 800,000 participants across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia. The findings revealed that each additional 8-ounce serving of fruit juice per day increased the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 5%. In comparison, each additional 12-ounce serving of sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda or energy drinks, raised the risk by 25%.
One 8-ounce glass of orange juice contains about 18 to 21 grams of sugar—close to the entire recommended daily intake for women. The American Heart Association advises that men should limit their sugar consumption to 36 grams per day, while women should consume no more than 25 grams.
Although fruit juice may seem healthy, it is high in sugar. Many juices contain added sugars and preservatives, which can disrupt liver metabolism and increase fat in the liver and pancreas. This may lead to inflammation, impair insulin production, and increase the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes.
In contrast to fruit juice, whole fruits are rich in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar and supports gut health. Commercial juices often lack this fiber, as it is removed during the juicing process. Whole fruits also retain valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are discarded when juiced.
Honey, a natural sugar source, is also a healthier alternative to fruit juice. It causes less of a spike in blood sugar and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Dr. Della Corte emphasized the need for stricter recommendations on liquid sugars, suggesting that future dietary guidelines consider the different effects of sugar based on its source and form. “Rather than condemning all added sugars, we should focus on their specific sources and forms,” she said.
The study was published in Advances in Nutrition in May 2025.
Related Topics:
