With Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and other diseases on the rise Americans are now becoming more and more conscience of what they are eating and the lifestyles they are leading. Most are trying to make healthier choices for themselves and their loved ones. In the past many Americans have turned to diet soft drinks to help them lead what they believed to be a healthier life style. However, a recent study on diet and regular soft drinks completely contradicts those beliefs.

Study Findings

The study revealed that people that had one or more regular or diet soft drinks a day increased their risk of Metabolic Syndrome to forty eight percent. The results of the regular soft drinks were of no surprise to anyone because the sugary soft drinks have been linked in the past to multiple health risks. It was the results of the diet soft drinks that took many by surprise. Even though diet soft drinks contain little or no calories or sugar many believe that people that drink the products will have increased cravings for sweets. Some also have a theory that the ingredient that gives the soft drinks its caramel color increases insulin resistance which can lead to Obesity and Diabetes. Another theory is that people that drink both regular and diet sodas do have very similar lifestyles and dietary patterns.

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Metabolic Syndrome is a group of metabolic risk factors like abdominal obesity, blood fat disorders, elevated blood pressure, glucose intolerance/insulin resistance, elevated C-reactive protein in the blood, and high fibrinogen in the blood. There currently are no set criteria on how Metabolic Syndrome should be diagnosed. However, The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggest that Metabolic Syndrome can be present when a person suffers from three or more groups of factors. Because of these factors those that suffer from Metabolic Syndrome have a high risk of also developing Diabetes and other life threatening Diseases. Roughly 50 million Americans already suffer from Metabolic Syndrome and nearly 20 million American suffer from Diabetes.

There are many factors that contribute to Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes. These factors include: obesity, age, race, family history of Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes, and poor life style choices. Some factors like age, race, and family history can not be controlled. However, factors like poor life style choices and obesity can.

Prevention and Life Style Changes

Once contracted Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes cannot be permanently cured. It can however be controlled. There are many things a person can do to prevent contracting Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes as well as control it once it is contracted.

Life style changes like eating a healthy and well balanced diet, weight loss, and a good exercise program are extremely important in preventing and controlling Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes. Additionally, glucose control is also extremely important.