A clinical trial found the effects of a high sugar diet did not increase insulin resistance in the men tested. Insulin resistance is an important marker of diabetes risk. This study showed that an intake of sucrose two and a half times above average consumption did not have adverse effects on insulin resistance in healthy, nondiabetic men.
The study observed 13 healthy men over a 6 week period. The men ate either a high-sugar diet (25% of their energy from sugar) or a low-sugar diet (10% of their energy from sugar). After 6 weeks, the subjects crossed over to receive the other diet for another 6 weeks, separated by a four week wash out period during which the subjects returned to their usual diet. Insulin resistance was measured by a two-step glucose clamp. The high sucrose diet showed no significant adverse effects, such as elasticity of the arteries (known as vascular compliance) which impacts on risk of heart disease, and glycaemic profiles.
This study does not support the notion that sugar intake has any adverse effect on the risk of diabetes in healthy, nondiabetic men. Yes, I agree with the findings of this study. They are healthy. Their response to sugar is healthy. What would a study of 13 men with a parent who has type 2 diabetes look like? I suspect those results may show a horse of a different color.
1. Hello Grasshopper.....The study is somewhat flawed and bias. Most people w/IRD(Insulin Resistance Disease) aka Type 2 Diabetes have been involved with a negative Life Style Profile for many ears (longer than 6 weeks). Life Style habits begin as early as Infancy(if not before) with the exposure of either good/nutritious foods, the encouragement and motivation for exercise and positive reinforcement for health choices. To put it simply, one can choose to eat sugar coated fruit loops for breakfast, a jelly doughnut or a bowl of real oatmeal w/o sugar. People should begin to take responsibility for their choices.
Posted at 5:06PM on Jan 6th 2007 by BetterCell