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February 1, 2025 – A new study published in Cell Metabolism sheds light on how gut microbes might contribute to the link between sugary beverage consumption and an increased risk of diabetes. Although it has long been established that drinking sugary drinks, such as soda and sweetened fruit juice, raises the risk of diabetes, the exact biological mechanisms behind this relationship have remained unclear. Now, researchers suggest that metabolites produced by gut microbes could play a pivotal role.
The research team, led by epidemiologist Dr. Qibin Qi from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, studied data from a long-term cohort of US Hispanic/Latino adults. These individuals were part of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), which involves more than 16,000 participants. The researchers identified notable differences in the gut microbiota and blood metabolites of participants with a high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, a key source of added sugar in the US diet. The findings suggest that these altered metabolite profiles are linked to a higher risk of developing diabetes within the following decade.
“Our study suggests a potential mechanism to explain why sugar-sweetened beverages are harmful to metabolism,” said Dr. Qi. “While our findings are observational, they provide valuable insights for diabetes prevention or management strategies involving the gut microbiome.”
The study revealed that individuals who consumed two or more sugary beverages per day showed a distinct shift in their gut microbiota composition. Specifically, nine bacterial species were found to be more abundant in these individuals, some of which are involved in producing short-chain fatty acids—compounds that impact glucose metabolism. The study also highlighted that these changes in gut microbiome composition were tied to poorer metabolic traits, including elevated blood glucose levels, higher insulin resistance, increased body mass index (BMI), and lower levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.
Interestingly, the research did not find the same microbial changes linked to sugar consumed through non-beverage sources, which suggests that sugary drinks may have a unique influence on the gut microbiome and metabolic health.
Moreover, the study tracked 56 serum metabolites associated with sugary beverage intake. Several of these metabolites, many of which are products of gut microbes, were connected to poorer metabolic health and an increased likelihood of developing diabetes over the following 10 years. “These microbiota-related metabolites may serve as potential predictors of diabetes risk,” Dr. Qi explained.
Although the study only collected gut microbiome samples from a subset of participants, Dr. Qi and his team plan to conduct further research to investigate the direct connection between specific gut microbes and diabetes risk. They are also exploring whether these microbial metabolites could play a role in other health issues linked to high sugar consumption, such as cardiovascular disease.
This groundbreaking research marks the first study to explore the link between sugary beverages, gut microbes, and diabetes risk in the US-based Hispanic/Latino population. It also adds to growing evidence suggesting that the gut microbiome could be a crucial factor in managing metabolic diseases like diabetes.
Disclaimer:
This study is observational and does not establish a direct causal relationship between sugary beverage consumption and diabetes risk. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms at play. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice on managing diet and health.
