A major international study shows that consuming sugar-laden drinks—such as sodas and fruit juices—may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes more sharply than sugar from foods. The research, led by a team at Brigham Young University with German collaborators, analyzed health data from more than half a million people across several continents. The findings carry meaningful implications for Thailand, where sweet drinks are deeply embedded in daily life and diabetes rates are climbing.
The study, published in Advances in Nutrition, identifies a clear dose-response link: the more sugar consumed through beverages, the higher the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. By contrast, sugar from foods—fruits, whole grains, and dairy products—showed no such association, and in some cases appeared linked to neutral or even lower risk. The lead researcher explained that drinking sugar creates a fast, isolated influx to the liver, triggering fat buildup and insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Foods containing sugar, however, bring a mix of fiber, fats, and proteins that slow absorption and blunt spikes.
This evidence resonates in Thailand, where sugar-sweetened drinks are ubiquitous—from bubble tea and cha yen to energy drinks widely marketed to youth. Data from the International Diabetes Federation indicate a steady rise in type 2 diabetes in Thailand, with sweetened beverages identified as a key factor by health officials. The World Health Organization has highlighted the health risks of high sugar intake from beverages and supports reducing liquid sugars in dietary guidelines.
Experts advocate stricter controls on liquid sugars and clearer messaging about how sugar is consumed. The lead author urged policymakers to consider stronger recommendations for beverages and fruit juice, recognizing that liquid sugar may harm metabolic health more than solid sugar. Public health guidance from the World Health Organization has long cautioned against excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks due to links with obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.
In Thailand, awareness about risks is growing but policy remains uneven. The Ministry of Public Health has implemented campaigns and, since 2017, a tiered excise tax on sugar content in beverages. Early data suggest a modest drop in sugary drink sales, but consumption remains high, especially among children and adolescents. Officials emphasize ongoing challenges: aggressive marketing, easy access, and cultural affinity for sweet drinks in social and culinary traditions.
Thai culinary history has long balanced sweetness and spice, but modern production and mass marketing have shifted sugar from an occasional treat to a daily habit. Public health advocates warn that the “liquid candy” culture is unsustainable given its impact on metabolic diseases.
Global health experts are calling for nuanced dietary guidelines that differentiate sugar by source and form. The Global Burden of Disease project identifies sugar-sweetened beverages as a leading dietary risk factor for premature death and disability. Thai authorities, like many around the world, encourage replacing sugary drinks with water, unsweetened tea, or other low-sugar options.
Looking ahead, Thai clinicians anticipate rising lifestyle-related chronic diseases unless consumption changes. Policymakers are weighing stricter marketing limits to children and clearer labeling that distinguishes natural from added sugars. While Thai cuisine will continue to celebrate sweetness, consumers are urged to pair sugar with fiber and nutrients from fruits, whole grains, or dairy, rather than drinking it in soft drinks, juices, or milk teas.
Practical steps for readers:
- Choose plain water, unsweetened tea, or fruit-infused water over sugar-sweetened drinks.
- Check labels for all forms of sweeteners, not just “sugar.”
- Encourage schools, temples, and workplaces to offer healthier drink options and education on hidden sugars.
- Model healthy choices at home to shape children’s habits.
- Support policies like sugar taxes and clear labeling to guide collective behavior.
This research strengthens the case for rethinking sweet drinks in Thailand and across Asia. Not all sugars are equal—the form in which sugar enters the body matters for metabolic health. Mindful choices today can protect individual and national health in the years ahead.
For further reading, see the study in Advances in Nutrition and coverage in The Hill, along with the World Health Organization’s healthy-diet guidance.