Influences of added sugar consumption in adults with type 2 diabetes risk: A principle-based concept analysis

The aim of this study is to describe the concept added sugar in the context of type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk in adults.

Dietary added sugars are associated with a greater risk for T2D; however, it is unclear if added sugars influence T2D risk directly or if their effects are mediated by excess caloric intake and weight gain.

A principle-based concept analysis following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted to clarify the concept of added sugar. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Embase. Multidisciplinary, empirical evidence was appraised using four guiding principles outlined by the principle-based concept analysis method.

Thirty-five publications were included in this concept analysis. The concept, added sugar in the context of T2D risk, was found to be epistemologically immature and lacked conceptual clarity.

Added sugar is an immature concept warranting further refinement for conceptual advancement. To enhance conceptual clarity, the term "added sugar" should be used consistently in the scientific literature when discussing foods or beverages containing added sugars or caloric sweeteners. A clearer delineation of added sugar and its association with T2D risk in adults is critical to advance this concept within the scientific literature.