Around 60% of kids drink at least one sugary beverage — such as soda, lemonade, or an energy drink — every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And that sets them up for serious health challenges down the road.

Preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention — Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2024 followed 450 kids from birth to their teens to track the impact of these sugary drinks.

The study found that when boys have one sugary drink a day, it’s associated with a 36% increased risk of insulin resistance, elevated fasting glucose levels, and higher A1Cs (the measure of long-term glucose levels) when they are teens.

That sets them up for Type 2 diabetes. Just think what two or three sweet beverages a day must do.

Although they didn't see the same association in girls, that doesn't mean sweetened beverages don't harm them too.

Other research has linked sugary drinks to increased obesity, dental problems, tooth decay, gout, and heart, kidney, and nonalcoholic liver diseases, according to the CDC.

Help your kids get in the habit of enjoying water to quench their thirst and hydrate. And when they want a special beverage, check out the recipes for the Grape Escape and the Vitality Smoothie in Dr. Mike's "The What to Eat When Cookbook."