People who regularly consume sugar sweetened drinks are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes irrespective of whether they are obese or not, a new study has found.

It also warns about the potential risk associated with artificially sweetened drinks and fruit juices.

UK researchers set out to see whether the regular consumption of sugar sweetened drinks, artificially sweetened drinks and fruits juices increases the risk of diabetes, after obesity - one of the main risk factors for diabetes - is taken into account.

They analysed the results of 17 studies and found a positive link between the habitual consumption of sugar sweetened drinks and type 2 diabetes, irrespective of the person's obesity status.

They also found a positive link between diabetes and artificially sweetened drinks and fruit juices, although the quality of evidence was limited. However, as they found little evidence that these drinks offered any benefits, they concluded that they should not be considered healthy alternatives to sugar sweetened drinks when it comes to preventing diabetes.

"Although more research on cause and effect needs to be carried out, this study indicates the potential health gains that may be achieved by reducing the consumption of sugar sweetened drinks," the team from the University of Cambridge said.

Details of these findings are published in the British Medical Journal.