Estimating sex-specific population-level effects of limiting sugar-sweetened beverages or 100% fruit juices during childhood on insulin resistance, central adiposity, and glycemic outcomes in late adolescence - Report - MDSpire
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Estimating sex-specific population-level effects of limiting sugar-sweetened beverages or 100% fruit juices during childhood on insulin resistance, central adiposity, and glycemic outcomes in late adolescence
Sex-Specific Effects of Limiting Childhood SSB and Fruit Juice on Adolescent Insulin Resistance
Overview
Limiting sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to one serving weekly during childhood was associated with modest reductions in insulin resistance, central adiposity, and fasting glucose in adolescent males but not females. Limiting 100% fruit juice intake showed minimal and imprecise effects in both sexes.
Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and is often preceded by insulin resistance and prediabetes. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contribute added sugars and calories linked to obesity and metabolic disturbances. While randomized trials show benefits of reducing added sugars on weight, observational studies on SSBs and insulin resistance in youth have been inconsistent. 100% fruit juice, despite natural sugars, is also scrutinized for its potential metabolic impact. Understanding sex-specific effects of limiting these beverages during childhood can inform targeted prevention strategies.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Effect in Males (95% CI)
Effect in Females (95% CI)
HOMA-IR (insulin resistance)
−0.28 (−0.61 to 0.02)
Near 0, less precise
Waist circumference (cm)
−1.91 (−3.79 to −0.05)
Near 0, less precise
Truncal fat mass (kg)
−0.64 (−1.33 to 0.05)
Near 0, less precise
Fasting glucose (mg/dL)
−1.02 (−2.40 to 0.35)
Near 0, less precise
100% Fruit juice effects
Small, imprecise
Small, imprecise
Key Findings
Limiting SSB intake to ≤1 serving per week during childhood was associated with a reduction in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in adolescent males.
Significant decreases in waist circumference and truncal fat mass were observed in males with reduced SSB intake.
Fasting glucose levels tended to be lower in males limiting SSBs, though confidence intervals included the null.
Females showed negligible and less precise effects from limiting SSB intake on metabolic outcomes.
Limiting 100% fruit juice intake to ≤1 serving daily showed minimal and imprecise effects on insulin resistance and adiposity in both sexes.
Clinical Implications
Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption during childhood may modestly improve insulin resistance and reduce central adiposity in adolescent males, supporting targeted dietary counseling in this group. The lack of significant effects in females suggests sex-specific metabolic responses that warrant further investigation. Limiting 100% fruit juice intake appears less impactful but remains consistent with existing pediatric guidelines.
Conclusion
Childhood interventions to limit SSB intake could yield small but meaningful metabolic benefits in males by late adolescence, potentially contributing to type 2 diabetes prevention. Sex-specific strategies may optimize pediatric dietary recommendations.
