A single can of soda contains 39 grams of sugar — nearly 10 teaspoons. After 40, your pancreas is less efficient at producing insulin, making these sugar bombs devastating for your metabolic health. Diet sodas aren't better — artificial sweeteners disrupt gut bacteria and may actually increase sugar cravings. Regular soda consumption after 40 is linked to accelerated aging, bone loss, and a 26% higher risk of diabetes.