A can of soda may seem like a small drink, but for people with diabetes, it can deliver a large amount of sugar at once. A standard 355-milliliter can contains about 40 grams of sugar, equivalent to roughly 10 teaspoons, according to the American Diabetes Association. The actual amount varies depending on the type of drink and the size of the can.
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When a person drinks sugar-sweetened soda, blood glucose levels can rise quickly. This makes it difficult to treat it as a daily beverage as part of a diabetes management plan.
The body’s response varies from person to person, but drinking soda only occasionally does not eliminate the effect of the sugar contained in a single can.
The concern increases with repeated consumption. In addition to making blood sugar more difficult to manage, frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been associated with weight gain and a higher risk of heart disease.
These are associations observed in studies and do not mean that drinking a single can will lead to such outcomes, according to Sky News Arabia.
Sugar-free soda, meanwhile, typically does not contain the amount of sugar found in regular soda and therefore does not cause the same rapid rise in blood sugar. However, consumers should still check the nutrition label: the phrase “sugar-free” does not necessarily mean that a product contains no carbohydrates.
The American Diabetes Association recommends checking the total carbohydrate content and added sugars when choosing a beverage.
Water remains the simplest option for staying hydrated. For those who want more variety, the American Diabetes Association also lists unsweetened tea and unsweetened sparkling water among alternatives that can help reduce sugar consumption.
Resource: Al-Ghad.
