Coca cola and Diabetes

Is it Best to Avoid Coca-Cola When You Have Diabetes?

Among the beverages you should avoid when you have diabetes is soft drinks. Because Coca-Cola is a soft drink, it’s something you should not be drinking on a regular basis. When you have diabetes, you need to be conscious of your sugar intake, which helps you control your blood glucose levels. Soda is very high in sugar, which is why it’s something to be avoided. So do Coca-Cola and diabetes go together? Keep reading to find out what you need to know about soft drinks and why Coca-Cola isn’t something you should be stocking in your kitchen. 

Coca-Cola Sugar Content

The sugar content of Coca-Cola, and most soft drinks, comes from the addition of both white sugar and high fructose corn syrup. A 12-ounce can of Coke contains 39 grams of sugar. As a diabetic, you should be getting no more than 10 percent of your calories from sugar. One can of soda can get you close to that limit pretty quickly. The traditional 2,000 calories-a-day limit allows for approximately 50 grams of sugar per day. You can see how having a single can of Coca-Cola can easily derail your goals, when combined with the sugar you consume in other foods and drinks. 

Impact of Soda on Blood Sugar

When you drink Coca-Cola, it causes your blood sugar levels to go up. The body digests soda quickly, which is why it creates this instant spike. When that happens, insulin resistance sets in, which can lead to adverse symptoms. Research finds that drinking soda not only makes it hard to control your blood sugar levels, but also contributes to the development of diabetes in some individuals. 

Alternatives to Coca-Cola

Most experts recommend avoiding Coca-Cola and other soft drinks altogether. You should get your calories from nutrient-dense foods that digest slowly for optimal blood sugar management.

Use your calories wisely by focusing on whole, fresh foods that are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Swap your soda for water or unsweetened coffee and tea with occasional fresh juices. That way you have room in your meal plan for healthy foods. 

When it comes to Coca-Cola and diabetes, it’s best to eliminate it from your diet. This makes it easier to keep sugar intake within the recommended range and keeps you from having to deal with a spike in your blood sugar. You’ll feel better when you choose healthy foods for your diabetic meal plan.