Drinking fruit juice won't raise your blood sugar levels — as long as you drink 100 percent fruit juice, says a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science.

The new research is consistent with earlier studies that found 100 percent fruit juice has no effect on fasting blood glucose, fasting blood insulin, or insulin resistance, and doesn't increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Scientists used fasting blood glucose and fasting blood insulin levels as biomarkers for diabetes risk. The meta-analysis included 18 randomized controlled trials that evaluated the impact of 100 percent juice from fruits such as apple, berry, citrus, grape, and pomegranate.

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 90 percent of the 29 million cases of diabetes in the United States are Type 2, a metabolic disorder when the body is still able to make insulin, but unable to recognize and use it.

The best way to prevent and treat Type 2 diabetes is a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet and adequate exercise, and choosing 100 percent fruit juice can be a part of a healthy diet. A 4-oz. glass of 100 percent juice counts as one serving (1/2 cup) of fruit, and can help people add more produce to their diets.

Check the label before you buy, and choose 100 percent fruit juice with no added sugar. Fruit drinks can have very little real fruit and be loaded with additional sugars.

Drinking 100 percent fruit juice provides key nutrients in the diet such as vitamins A and C, folic acid, and potassium. They also contain phytonutrients that are antioxidant or anti-inflammatory. Thousands of studies have shown that fruit juices contain numerous antioxidants and other chemicals that benefit health, from grape juice to fight heart disease, to cherry juice to combat gout and insomnia.