The consumption of soft drinks has long been a topic of concern in the realm of public health. According to Dr M S Purkait, who is a Medical Superintendent at Techno India Dama Hospital, "Soft drinks and aerated drinks have a high glycaemic index which when consumed causes a rapid spike in blood sugar levels and an increase in insulin demand which can lead to wearing out of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Consuming these types of food over some time causes insulin resistance and excessive storage of glucose resulting in obesity and cardiac and renal complications."
Talking in terms of statistics, Dr Pallavi Patekar, who is a Consultant of Internal Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai said, "Studies show that sugar-sweetened soft drinks contribute to the development of diabetes. Consuming sugary drinks regularly, 1 to 2 cans a day or more, results in a 26% greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than people who rarely have such drinks. Risks are amplified in young adults and Asians."
Talking about the effects of consuming soft drinks in excess, Dr. Pallavi said, "Soft drinks are high in calories and often lack nutritional value. When consumed in excess, they can contribute to obesity, which is a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Even if soft drinks contain artificial sweeteners, the long-term effects of this on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism are still being studied. Some research suggests that consuming artificial sweeteners may alter the gut microbiota in a way that could potentially increase insulin resistance," she added.
Moreover, habitual consumption of soft drinks, especially with ingredients like caffeine can replace healthier beverage choices, which can further exacerbate the risk. By opting for healthier alternatives and reducing soft drink intake, individuals can take a proactive step toward reducing their risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The Link Between Soft Drinks And Type 2 Diabetes In Children
Dr. Susanta K Badatya who is an MBBS, MD (Neonatology and Pediatrics) at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital- Moti Nagar, New Delhi said, "In recent years, there has been growing evidence of a significant link between the consumption of sugary soft drinks and the development of type 2 diabetes in children. This is a particularly alarming issue, as type 2 diabetes was once considered an adult-onset condition but is now increasingly affecting children."
"One of the primary reasons for this link between soft drinks and type 2 diabetes in children is the high sugar content in these beverages. Soft drinks are notorious for their high levels of added sugars, usually in the form of high fructose corn syrup. The excessive consumption of sugar has been shown to contribute to insulin resistance, a key precursor to type 2 diabetes. When children regularly consume sugary soft drinks, their bodies can become less responsive to insulin, making it difficult to regulate blood sugar levels," he continued to say.
"Soft drinks are a significant source of empty calories, providing little to no nutritional value. This can result in weight gain and obesity, which are well-established risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Soft drinks can also contribute to an increase in overall calorie intake. Many children consume these drinks alongside their regular meals, which can lead to overconsumption of calories. This can further exacerbate weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes," he added.
Talking about metabolic syndromes in children, he said, "Additionally, soft drinks have been associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome in children. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that include abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal lipid profiles, and elevated blood sugar levels. These conditions are closely linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. Soft drink consumption is a significant contributor to the development of metabolic syndrome in children, which raises their diabetes risk."