Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can lead to heart conditions, amputations, nerve damage and blindness if not well controlled. When it comes to diabetes, the best bet is to take steps to prevent it when possible,and diet plays a major role. If you have risk factors for this condition, start by speaking with a health-care provider who can make personalized suggestions to try to stop diabetes from occurring.
Identification
After eating, the body breaks down the food into glucose, or blood sugar, so the cells can use it for energy. The hormone insulin must be present in order for the cells to use glucose. Diabetes is the condition where the body does not make enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin that is available. There are three main types of diabetes. Type 1 is commonly diagnosed in children, teenagers and young adults. There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, states the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Gestational diabetes can occur during the late stages of pregnancy and it is caused by the hormones produced during pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Gestational diabetes tends to resolve after giving birth. Type 2, which is the most common kind, can be diagnosed at any age and occurs when the body is no longer able to utilize insulin and the pancreas loses the ability to keep up with the demand. There is not just one cause of type 2 diabetes; usually, several factors that contribute to its development.
Causes
Why some patients develop type 2 diabetes and others do not is still not well understood. The risk can be higher if this disease runs in the family, which suggests a genetic component. Those over age 45 and Hispanics, American Indians and Asian-Americans are all at a higher risk, as well. When it comes to controllable risk factors, being overweight and physically inactive seem to be the main ones responsible for raising the risk, warns MayoClinic.com. Preventing diabetes through dietary changes means controlling calorie intake from all foods, not just a specific food, such as soda.
Considerations
Carbohydrates, not sugar, are the main culprits when it comes to raising blood glucose levels, so those with or at risk for diabetes need to monitor carbohydrate intake along with keeping weight down. Since diet soda does not contain calories or carbohydrates, it does not directly affect blood sugar levels. In fact, the American Diabetes Association recommends replacing sugar-sweetened beverages such as regular soda, sports drinks, fruit juices and energy drinks with diet drinks to keep weight and blood sugar levels down. When choosing a beverage, do not just go by the claims on the packaging. Read the actual nutrition label and see how many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving. However, it is still important to not substitute diet soda for water. Aim to get six to eight glasses of water each day and use diet soda as an occasional treat.
Warnings
Just because diet soda does not contain calories or carbohydrates, its consumption should still be limited to help prevent diabetes. While more research is needed to clearly understand the link, drinking too much diet soda may actually contribute to weight gain, which in turn raises the risk of diabetes. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, after eating sugar the brain signals the body that more food is needed until feelings of fullness register. Since diet soda still tastes sweet, these same signals may occur. However, no calories are being consumed, meaning there is no sensation of fullness. For some, this may lead to consuming high calorie sweets or just too many calories in general. So, for those concerned about diabetes or weight, even diet sodas should be consumed only once in a while.
