Drinking too many sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) can lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance and weight gain. SSBs are the main source of added sugar intake. 

In a paper published online on January 31 in Cell Metabolism, researchers investigated the gut microbiome’s possible role in linking SSBs with diabetes risk. Using data from nearly 3,000 adults, Qibin Qi, Ph.D., and colleagues identified nine gut bacteria associated with SSB intake. Notably, higher SSB intake was linked to lower abundances of four bacteria that produce metabolites called short-chain fatty acids that—by helping to improve glucose metabolism—may influence diabetes risk. If validated in future studies, the gut microbiota and blood metabolites identified in this study could lead to probiotics and other targeted interventions to reduce the diabetes risk associated with SSB intake. 

Dr. Qi is professor of epidemiology & population health and associate director of epidemiology & population health center for population cohorts at Einstein. Yanbo Zhang, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Qi’s lab, is the study’s lead author.