"Am I at Risk for PET Bottle Syndrome?"... Chugging Soft Drinks in the Heat Can Be Dangerous

Avoid High-Sugar Sports Drinks and Juice
"Drink Water, Barley Tea, or Other Sugar-Free Beverages"

Photo to aid understanding of the article. Pixabay

As beverage consumption increases to quench thirst during the summer, there is a heightened risk of exposure to "PET bottle syndrome," so caution is needed.

On June 17, the Japanese magazine "Otonansa" highlighted the dangers of PET bottle syndrome, a health issue often discussed in the summer, and introduced an expert interview on the topic.

PET bottle syndrome refers to a condition in which excessive intake of carbonated drinks, juice, ice cream, or similar products is used to relieve thirst instead of water, resulting in a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Although these beverages may seem to quench thirst more quickly than water in the short term, in reality, this is not the case. The term is not an official medical term and is primarily used in Japan.

This is especially dangerous for people with diabetes. If blood sugar rises rapidly and the body cannot produce insulin quickly enough to meet the demand, insulin secretion fails to function properly, leading to symptoms of hyperglycemia such as thirst and increased urination. Drinking high-sugar beverages in this state can lead to diabetic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. If ketoacidosis develops, it can result in coma and become life-threatening.

Photo to aid understanding of the article. Pixabay.

The symptoms of PET bottle syndrome include experiencing an abnormal level of thirst and frequent urination. Medical experts emphasize four key precautions to prevent PET bottle syndrome. First, avoid beverages with high sugar content, such as sports drinks or juice. Second, maintain regular meals and consistently engage in both aerobic and strength exercises. Third, if you experience severe thirst or notice an increase in the frequency of urination, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Fourth, if you have a family member with diabetes, it is advisable to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels.

The expert stated, "Carbonated drinks or juice containing sugar cause a rapid rise in blood sugar and are therefore not suitable for hydration," and emphasized, "When you feel thirsty, drink water, barley tea, or other sugar-free beverages that are low in calories and do not contain sugar." The expert also advised, "It is best to consume sports drinks only in moderation."