Sugared Colas Cause Weight Gain and Possibly Cancer

One of the first rules of dieting and weight loss is to cut out extra calories. Consuming just one sugared soda can add 150 calories or more to daily calorie totals, depending on the size of your serving. If sugared sodas are one of the treats you allow yourself, you could be increasing your risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a new research study by the University of Minnesota.

Researchers followed 60,000 people over the course of 14 years. The study revealed that drinking sugared sodas increased the risk of pancreatic cancer 87% in participants who consumed sugared sodas on a regular basis. The increased risk took into account other risk factors including smoking, obesity, and age.

Why Do Sugared Sodas Increase Pancreatic Cancer Risk?

The debate looms over the specific link between pancreatic cancer and sugar, but many experts believe it has something to do with insulin levels in the body. WebMD reported a link between insulin and pancreatic cancer in 2005. Insulin, which is produced in the pancreas, is used by the body to transform sugar into fuel. When more sugar is consumed, the pancreas must work overtime to metabolize blood glucose.

Is Pancreatic Cancer a Real Threat?

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 40,000 people are found to have pancreatic cancer every year. Most sufferers are over the age of 65, but this is not always the case. Pancreatic cancer can develop early in life, but a lack of symptoms makes the disease hard to diagnose in time for adequate treatment.

As reported by Associated Content producer Sadie T. Rogers, Michael Landon, actor from TV shows Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza, died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 54. Fred Gwynne, the actor who played Herman Munster on The Munsters, died of the disease at 66 years of age. Donna Reed, famous for her role in It's a Wonderful Life, died at 64. Most recently, Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 57, less than two years after being diagnosed in Stage IV.

Losing Weight Never Felt So Good

Hiding in that weight loss solution could be the answer to reducing your risk of pancreatic cancer. Diet sodas are not linked to an increase in blood glucose and thus dieters who choose diet drinks in place of sugared sodas do not overwork the pancreas. Diet sodas do have their fair share of negative press, but a definitive link to cancer is not one. If a dieter makes no other conscious choice, eliminating sugared sodas from the diet should be one.

"What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Pancreas - National Cancer Institute." National Cancer Institute - Comprehensive Cancer Information. Web. 30 July 2010.

"Study: Soda Linked to Pancreatic Cancer - CBS News." Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. 9 Feb. 2010. Web. 30 July 2010.

Hitti, Miranda. "Pancreatic Cancer Tied to Insulin Woes." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. 13 Dec. 2005. Web. 30 July 2010.