This disease occurs when the body has trouble breaking down and processing sugars. Without careful control over diet and exercise, too much sugar stays in the body, which can lead to problems like blindness, kidney disease and nerve diseases that can even result in losing a limb. In the past, kids did not get this kind of diabetes, but in recent years, doctors have seen an increase in people under age 20 with type 2 diabetes. The reason, they think, is that many more young people today are overweight than ever before, thanks in part to soft drinks. Empty calories get added on top of the calories people need and get from food, which means that people end up with extra calories that get stored as fat.
Soft drinks can also mean soft bones.
For one thing, soft drinks contain a lot of phosphorus , which can stop the body from using the calcium it needs. Calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong. Additionally, those who drink soft drinks are less likely to drink other healthier beverages, many of which contain calcium instead of attack it. Milk has lots of calcium, and some orange juice has calcium added. Later in life, weak bones can cause serious pain and disabilities.