7 Healthcast: Drinks and diabetes

High fructose corn syrup, the sweetener found in many of our favorite soft drinks, is the latest ingredient to come under scrutiny in America's diet.

A study from researchers at Rutgers University shows sodas sweetened with high fructose corn syrup contain high levels of compounds that may play a role in the development of diabetes, especially when consumed in large amounts.

"It's just a cheaper substitute for sugar. And they feel they can drink a lot of it and they are getting overweight because of it and diabetic because of it", said endocrinologist Dr. Ronald Cobbs.

The Corn Refiners Association and the American Beverage Association disagree with this study.

One nutrition expert says the results of one study are not definitive.

"Test tube studies are not the final word and we have to be careful about over-interpreting what the results really mean", reasoned Dr. Maureen Storey of the University of Maryland-College Park.

One point where most scientists and doctors agree is that Americans are consuming too many calories, whether in the form of sodas, fatty foods, or sweets.

"The bottom line, watch your total calorie intake, limit added sugars, whether it's in the form of high fructose corn syrup or table sugar and just eat a variety of healthy foods we know are good for us," said registered dietician Elisa Zied.

The study also found adding tea components to the soft drinks significantly lowered the compounds in question. Research on that is ongoing.

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