Sugar-sweetened beverages can contribute to liver problems, increasing the risk of liver cancer and fatal liver disease.
This is according to new research published in JAMA.
This study evaluated whether intake of sugar-sweetened beverages or artificially sweetened beverages was associated with higher rates of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI).
Participants included more than 98,000 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years. The group was enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative from 1993 to 1998 at 40 clinical centres in the US. They were then followed up to 1 March 2020.
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Risk factors
It found that women at the postmenopausal stage who consumed one or more sugar-sweetened drinks daily were at an increased risk for liver cancer and death from chronic liver disease.
Speaking to Medical News Today, study authors Dr Longgang Zhao and Dr Xuehong Zhang said they were ‘not surprised’ by the findings.
‘Replacing a sugar-sweetened beverage with coffee or tea might lower risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality,’ they said.
‘Intake of sugar-sweetened beverage, a postulated risk factor for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, may drive insulin resistance and inflammation which are strongly implicated in liver carcinogenesis and liver health.’
Oral hygiene habits
This comes as research shows patients with type 2 diabetes with good oral hygiene habits show lower blood glucose levels.
A joint study by the Minami Diabetes Clinical Research Center and oral healthcare company Sunstar investigated oral hygiene habits and blood glycemic control indicators.
Researchers found that good oral care habits in people with type 2 diabetes are associated with better glycaemic control over 24 hours. This could include interdental cleaning, for example.
Results also showed that regular dental visits are also important for people with type 2 diabetes.
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