Study: Fructose Stabilizes Blood Sugar in Diabetics

TORONTOConsuming fructose in moderate amounts may stabilized blood sugar levels in diabetics without causing weight gain or increasing cholesterol levels, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care. The findings reignite the fructose debate that links fructose intake to obesity.

"Over the last decade, there have been connections made between fructose intake and rates of obesity," said Dr. John Sievenpiper, a senior author of the study. "However, this research suggests that the problem is likely one of overconsumption, not fructose."

Researchers in at St. Michaels Hospital and the University of Toronto led the study and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled feeding trials to clarify the effect of fructose on glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. The analyzed data from 209 people diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes from 18 separate trials. All participants were kept on diets that contained fructose and had the same amount of calories. They found fructose consumption did not significantly affect fasting glucose or insulin. The improvement was equivalent to what can be achieved with an oral antidiabetic drug.

"Attention needs to go back where it belongs, which is on the concept of moderation," said Adrian Cozma, the lead author of the paper. "We're seeing that there may be benefit if fructose wasn't being consumed in such large amounts. All negative attention on fructose-related harm draws further away from the issue of eating too many calories."

The researchers said larger and longer fructose feeding trials assessing both possible glycemic benefit and adverse metabolic effects are required.