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

No fiber or protein to slow digestion.

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  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.
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References

Answer: They have no fiber or protein to slow digestion. 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.

  1. Sugar vs. Carbs (ADA Diabetes Food Hub) diabetesfoodhub.org/blog/sugar-vs-carbs-what-affecting-blood-glucose
    sugary drinks don't contain fiber or protein, so they are digested very quickly and cause a bigger impact on your blood glucose level.
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. Healthy Living with Diabetes (NIDDK) www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity
    sweet drinks, such as soda, juice, flavored coffee, and sports drinks
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Health BasicsWhich drink does the Diabetes Plate Method call the best choice with a meal?Health BasicsCounting carbs, should you add the 'Added Sugars' grams on top of Total Carbohydrate?Health BasicsWhich sugar does NOT count toward 'Added Sugars' on the label?

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