Help put the brakes on a dangerous disease by slowing down on sugary drinks.

Guzzling one or more sugary drinks per day may increase diabetes risk, a new study suggests. Young and middle-aged women who drank one or more servings of sugar-laden sodas or fruit punch per day increased their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 83% compared to women who drank fewer than one such drink per week.

Sugar-sweetened drinks are high in calories and promote weight gain. In a study, women who drank sugary beverages daily gained more weight during the course of the study compared to people who drank few sugary beverages. In addition to promoting calorie intake and weight gain, simple carbohydrates, such as those found in sugar-sweetened beverages, quickly enter the bloodstream causing unhealthy spikes in blood glucose. Chronic spikes in blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes diabetes. Opt for sparkling mineral water, unsweetened fruit juice, or low-calorie iced tea to quench your thirst instead.

RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.

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