Trans fats raise cholesterol, not blood sugar: Study

BOSTON (REUTERS) - Although much-criticised trans fats raise levels of "bad" cholesterol, they don't appear to have a lasting impact on blood sugar levels, according to a United States study.

Researchers, writing in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that both blood sugar and insulin, the hormone that keeps blood sugar levels in check, were similar regardless of how much trans fat people ate.

The link between trans fats and high cholesterol levels is widely accepted, but there has been a lack of clarity on the effect on blood sugar control, which is involved in diabetes.

Trans fats, technically known as trans fatty acids, are found in animal products and chemically processed vegetable oils. In response to studies linking high consumption of the substances to an increased risk of heart disease, the US Food and Drug Administration has required food makers to disclose trans fats on nutrition labels. Some cities and states have banned them in restaurants or schools.