According to a new report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy and Research, approximately one out of every three kids living in California drinks one sugar-laden drink daily.  

Despite the obvious health risks such as obesity, tooth decay, type 2 and liver disease, 30.9% of children consume at least one sugary drink a day.

Diabetes educators play an important role in helping families, particularly with young kids, to identify hidden sugars, especially in the form of sodas and juices.

While soda consumption seems to be lowering in percentage, sports drinks have become more popular as an alternative. “The issue is that they’re often seen as a healthy alternative, but many of them contain large amounts of sugar,” Babey said. “They’re designed to be consumed by people who have been really exerting themselves for a long amount of time, but that’s often not who’s consuming them.”  A better alternative is water and a piece of fruit.

To learn more: Report: Sugar-laden drink consumption on the rise among California kids – San Diego Union-Tribune

You can also join our “The Joy of Six – Take the Pledge” to help spread sugar awareness in your community.