This Is How Much Soda It Takes to Increase Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Soda might be refreshing, but when it comes to your health, how much is too much? You'd be surprised. 

By Sam Benson Smith,
Reader's Digest 

While soda consumption in the U.S. has taken a dip in the last 15 years, soda is still very much part of the American diet (if you can even call it that). Either you or someone you know can’t resist reaching for the sugary drink come lunch time. Still, it’s no secret that soda isn’t exactly the healthiest beverage, but how much is too much? Indulging in the occasional liter of cola can’t hurt, right? Well, according to a review of 36 different studies, it doesn’t take a lot of soda to do you a lot of harm—especially when it comes to diabetes. (Don’t miss the 10 reasons to avoid all soda, including diet.)

The research was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society and was completed by a group of researchers from South Africa. The review noted that consuming a sizable number of sugary drinks, five or more, ups your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, which, sure, makes sense. But even when the consumption was lowered considerably, the results were a bit unsettling.

The research was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society and was completed by a group of researchers from South Africa. The review noted that consuming a sizable number of sugary drinks, five or more, ups your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, which, sure, makes sense. But even when the consumption was lowered considerably, the results were a bit unsettling.

Just two cups of soda each week can increase one’s risk of type 2 diabetes by 29 percent, according to one of the studies reviewed. Keep in mind, a standard can of soda is 12 ounces or 1.5 cups. This study analyzed data from 43,580 participants aged 45-74 years of age. All participants were free of diabetes and other chronic illness at the beginning of the study

Even for the most moderate soda slugger, the risk is very real. So if you’re looking to ward off type 2 diabetes, it’s probably best to keep that soda consumption to a minimum and probably avoid these 7 habits while you’re at it
  

Just two cups of soda each week can increase one’s risk of type 2 diabetes by 29 percent, according to one of the studies reviewed. Keep in mind, a standard can of soda is 12 ounces or 1.5 cups. This study analyzed data from 43,580 participants aged 45-74 years of age. All participants were free of diabetes and other chronic illness at the beginning of the study