Drinking as little as one fizzy drink a day appears to significantly increase the risk of diabetes in later life. Researchers found that those who drank one sugary soft drink a day had a 22% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who drank one can a month. Partly, this was down to their higher average body weight – a contributory factor to the disease – but even after taking account of weight, regular consumers were 18% more likely to develop diabetes, indicating that other factors are in play. The researchers believe that sugar-sweetened drinks not only lead to weight gain, but can also alter people’s resistance to insulin. (Dr Dora Romaguera-Bosch, Imperial College London, reported in the Daily Telegraph).

The other day I bought lunch at a Chinese restaurant. As part of the service I was presented with a huge bottle of Coca Cola. There was simply an assumption that, unasked, they should throw in this bottle. As a gesture It was over the top.

Epicurus believed in moderation in eating, as well as other activities in life. He had no Coca Cola, and if there were sweeteners they would not have been industrially processed. Epicurus might instead have drunk wine, modestly. I commend that idea.