The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. This meta-analysis included 11 prospective cohort studies (3 for metabolic syndrome and 8 for type 2 diabetes) which represented 19,431 participants and 5,803 cases of metabolic syndrome and 310,819 participants and 15,043 cases of type 2 diabetes. Results showed a clear association between SSB consumption and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. More specifically, participants in the highest category of SSB intake (most often 1-2 servings/day) had a 20% greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome and 26% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than participants in the lowest category of intake (none or <1 serving/month). Moreover, it was found that the increased risk of high SSB intake on metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes was only partly explained by weight gain suggesting an independent effect of high levels of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates. Thus, this meta-analysis highlights the importance of limiting consumption of SSBs to reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
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