This article can be considered an addendum to the post “caffeine craze”. In that post, I noted that energy drinks are high in
sugar and that increased sugar intake can cause certain health problems.
A risk factor of increased sugar intake, especially the highly absorbable sugar in beverages such as sodas, is pancreatic
cancer. The pancreas is an organ in the body that produces insulin. An association with sugar intake and pancreatic cancer
has been reported in the past (Schernhammer et al 2005). Today a report from Stockholm notes that people who drink two or
greater “fizzy drinks” per day (90% higher risk) or add sugar to tea or coffee five times or more per day (70% higher risk)
were at significantly increased risk for pancreatic cancer than those who do not consume that much sugar.
Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare overall, but a very deadly form of cancer.
I should also include the fact that increased sugar intake may increase the risk of diabetes. The risk seems to be higher for
people with a history of weight problems in childhood. On top of this, people who are overweight alone are at higher risk for
developing diabetes.
Diabetes is basically a disease in which the body is unable to process sugars correctly due to problems with insulin production
and/or body’s response to insulin. Insulin is a hormone in the body that regulates carbohydrate and sugar metabolism.
Diabetes can lead to severe problems with blood circulation that can affect the heart and kidney function and vision, among
other organs in the body.
For many reasons, some people are more protected against the negative effects of things like sugar or tobacco or alcohol. To
me, it is ok to enjoy those things but to do so in moderation. Know yourself; learn what your risk factors are. If your use or
consumption is causing health problems or seems out of control that is when there may be a problem worth looking at. I’ll
tell you, though, it would be nice if the good stuff did not come with any risks or potential problems, wouldn’t it?