Fizzy drinks can cause high blood pressure and increased risk of diabetes

Mon, 07 Mar 2011
Researchers in the UK have found a link between the consumption of sugary soft drinks and raised blood pressure, as well as a heightened chance of getting diabetes, it has emerged.

The scientists monitored over 2,500 people in the UK and US, revealing that for every extra can of fizzy drink consumed each day, people in the study exhibited higher systolic blood pressure by an average of 1.6 mmHg and a higher diastolic reading by an average of 0.8 mmHg, even once factors such as weight and height were taken into account. They recommend that reducing both sugar and salt intake in our diet could help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease, and diabetes.

The research, which was published in the journal Hypertension, also showed that people who consumed a lot of salt in addition to sugar were at a greater risk of high blood pressure.

Researcher Paul Elliott, of Imperial College London, commented "It's widely known that if you have too much salt in your diet, you're more likely to develop high blood pressure. The results of this study suggest that people should be careful about how much sugar they consume as well."

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