Corn Syrup Linked to Diabetes
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: August 28, 2007
A new study suggests that drinking certain types of soda may raise your risk of developing diabetes. Chi-Tang Ho, Ph.D, a researcher at Rutgers University, tested eleven different carbonated soft drinks.
Dr. Ho found that those with high fructose corn syrup had high levels of compounds linked to cell and tissue damage that could cause diabetes. These compounds are elevated in the blood of people with diabetes and linked to the complications of that disease. The same compounds are not present in sugar.
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener found in many foods and drinks, including soda, baked goods and condiments. It has become the sweetener of choice for many food maufacturers because it is considered more economical, sweeter and more easy to blend into beverages than table sugar.
Results of the study were released at the 234th national meeting of the American Chemical So
ciety.
Dr. Ho found that those with high fructose corn syrup had high levels of compounds linked to cell and tissue damage that could cause diabetes. These compounds are elevated in the blood of people with diabetes and linked to the complications of that disease. The same compounds are not present in sugar.
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener found in many foods and drinks, including soda, baked goods and condiments. It has become the sweetener of choice for many food maufacturers because it is considered more economical, sweeter and more easy to blend into beverages than table sugar.
Results of the study were released at the 234th national meeting of the American Chemical So
ciety.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.