Can drinking sugar-free cola cause diabetes?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Drinking sugar-free cola generally does not cause diabetes. The exact cause of diabetes is not fully understood, but it is mostly associated with genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, or viral infections. For a healthy individual, consuming sugar-free cola will not lead to diabetes. However, in individuals with a family history of diabetes, drinking sugar-free cola might potentially trigger the onset of the disease.
Generally, drinking sugar-free cola does not usually lead to diabetes; however, individuals with a family history of diabetes may be at risk. The details are as follows:
1. Will not develop diabetes
If there is no family history of diabetes, drinking sugar-free cola will not cause diabetes. Diabetes may result from genetic factors, viral infections, exposure to chemical substances, excessive nutrition, physical inactivity, or even defects in the immune system. The exact cause of the disease is not fully understood, but generally, consuming sugar-free cola does not trigger diabetes.
2. May develop diabetes
Sugar-free cola contains artificial sweeteners, which are sweetening additives. Excessive consumption may lead to weight gain and insulin resistance. Long-term intake could potentially impair blood glucose control. In individuals with a genetic predisposition to diabetes, regularly drinking sugar-free cola may increase the risk of developing the disease.
If a person already has diabetes and wishes to drink cola, they may consume a small amount of sugar-free cola when their blood glucose levels are stable. However, large quantities should be avoided to prevent adverse effects on blood sugar. Additionally, it's important in daily life to reduce intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods to minimize negative health impacts.
