Some people think that eating too much sugar causes diabetes. But it's not that simple. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.
Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. Research has shown that drinking sugary drinks is linked to type 2 diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people should limit sugar-sweetened beverages [regular soda, lemonade, fruit punch, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweet tea, etc.] to help prevent diabetes. These will raise blood glucose and can provide several hundred calories in just one serving.
Some examples: Just one 12-ounce can of regular soda has about 150 calories and 40 grams of carbohydrates. This is the same amount of carbohydrate in 10 teaspoons of sugar. Just 8 ounces of fruit punch has about 100 calories [or more] and 30 grams of carbohydrate. Any sweets that you eat need to be counted into your overall meal plan, and may possibly affect your insulin doses, if you're on insulin.
Source: American Diabetes Association, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Connection, February 2013
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