Daily glasses of fruit juice typically consumed in the morning, such as orange juice, may significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study from Brigham Young University (BYU).
Researchers found that drinking sugar, rather than consuming it through solid foods like fruit or honey, has a more detrimental impact on metabolic health and shows a clear link to the development of type 2 diabetes.
“This is the first study to provide a clear relationship between the source of sugar and the risk of type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Karen Della Corte, lead author and professor of food science at BYU, GazetaExpress reports.
"The results show that drinking sugar, whether from fruit juices or carbonated drinks, is much more harmful to health than consuming it through food."
What did the study reveal?
The researchers analyzed 29 previous studies involving more than 800,000 healthy adults from different continents such as Europe, the US, Australia and Asia.
The results showed that:
Each additional 240 ml (8 oz) glass of fruit juice consumed daily increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 5%.
Each 355 ml (12 oz) sugar-sweetened beverage (such as soda, energy or sports drinks) increases the risk by 25%.
A single glass of orange juice contains 18 to 21 grams of sugar, almost the entire daily amount recommended for women by the American Heart Association (AHA).
AHA recommendation:
Women: maximum 25 grams of sugar per day (100 calories)
Men: maximum 36 grams of sugar per day (150 calories)
Why are juices more problematic than fruits?
Fruit juices, despite appearing healthy, often contain added sugars and little or no fiber - an element that helps regulate blood sugar and proper digestion.
Compared to whole fruits:
Juices do not contain skin or pulp, which are rich sources of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Liquids are absorbed more quickly by the body and cause an immediate increase in blood sugar levels.
This metabolic burden negatively affects the function of the pancreas and liver, increasing fat deposition and ultimately leading to chronic inflammation and diabetes.
While honey and whole fruits did not show the same risk and in some cases were even associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, thanks to their naturally high fiber, mineral content and slower sugar absorption.
What do the experts say?
“This study highlights the need for stricter regulations on liquid sugars, such as those found in fruit juices and sodas,” said Dr. Della Corte.
"Rather than condemning all forms of sugar, future dietary guidelines should take into account its source and form."
cONcluSiON
Sweetened drinks, including store-bought orange juice, are not as healthy as you might think.
It is recommended to replace them with fresh fruit, which contains fiber and helps regulate blood sugar.
Liquid sugar, even in "natural forms" like fruit juices, can significantly contribute to the increase in cases of type 2 diabetes, a disease that affects over 37 million adults in the US.
The study was published in May 2025 in the journal Advances in Nutrition. /Express newspaper/
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