Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among adults with type 2 diabetes

To examine patterns of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes in 2003-2006.

We analyzed 24-h dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006 to estimate SSB consumption levels among 1,090 adults (aged ≥ 20 years) with type 2 diabetes overall and by diagnosis and control status of their diabetes.

In 2003-2006, 45% of adults with diabetes consumed SSBs on a given day, obtaining an average of 202 calories and 47 g of sugar. Undiagnosed adults with diabetes were significantly more likely to consume SSBs than diagnosed adults (60 vs. 38% diagnosed/uncontrolled [P < 0.001] and 43% diagnosed/controlled [P = 0.001]) and were less likely to consume diet beverages (18 vs. 50% diagnosed/uncontrolled [P < 0.001] and 40% diagnosed/controlled [P < 0.001]). Men consumed significantly more SSBs than women (P = 0.027), younger adults (aged 20-44) more than older adults (45-64 and ≥ 65; P < 0.001), non-Hispanic black more than whites (P = 0.010); and low-income individuals (quartile 1) more than higher-income individuals (quartile 3, P = 0.040; quartile 4, P = 0.013). For most demographic and body weight categories, adults who were undiagnosed consumed more sugar from SSBs than adults who were diagnosed.

SSB consumption is high among adults with diabetes, particularly among those who are undiagnosed.