Why do sugary drinks like soda and sweet tea hit blood glucose so quickly?

No fiber or protein to slow digestion.

  1. They have no fiber or protein to slow digestion ✔
  2. They're served ice cold
  3. The bubbles speed up sugar

Why: ADA explains sugary drinks contain no fiber or protein, so they're digested very quickly and have a bigger impact on blood glucose. Fiber and protein in food slow things down.

Huh, didn't know that: NIDDK lists juice, flavored coffee and sports drinks alongside soda as sweet drinks to have less often.

The dad joke
What's a tree's favorite drink? Root beer.
Like this card?
Play the game

Sources

  1. Sugar vs. Carbs (ADA Diabetes Food Hub) https://diabetesfoodhub.org/blog/sugar-vs-carbs-what-affecting-blood-glucose
  2. Healthy Living with Diabetes (NIDDK) https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity

Test yourself in the game