New research shows drinking sugary colas prior to pregnancy heightens the risk of gestational diabetes metillus (GDM), though other sweetened drinks don’t.
More than five cola servings a week before conception resulted in a 22% greater risk than consuming less than one per month. The study, published in the current issue of Diabetes Care, marks the first time the association has been established.
Researchers followed a test group of 13,475 women over 10 years, identifying 860 GDM cases. After controlling for known risk factors, they were able to make the connection with sweetened colas. No significant correlation was found for other sugar-sweetened beverages such as fruit drinks or for diet drinks.
GDM, defined as glucose intolerance beginning during pregnancy, is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and can lead to premature birth as well as Type 2 diabetes in the mother and early-onset diabetes, obesity and glucose intolerance in children.
Why the sugary colas foster GDM is not clear, but the study’s lead author speculates that the drinks could contribute to a high glycemic load, which can result in insulin resistance and impaired beta cell function. Higher sugar intake itself may inhibit pancreatic cell function.
Sugary drinks have already been tied to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The GDM link is all the more telling given that sugar-sweetened beverages are by far the biggest source of added sugars among the age group most likely to conceive, the author notes.
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