Longevity of person is determined by genetics, environment and technology related factors. Life expectancy have improved very much over the past few decades, but only to produce more problems of the elderly due to increased longevity. Exercise levels are coming down due to availability of better transport and remote control devices. This leads to more of metabolic syndrome and related problems.
Glucose does not need insulin for absorption, but needs it for metabolism. There are a few alternate mechanisms for glucose metabolism as well. In the skeletal muscle, glucose metabolism can occur independant of insulin. GLUT4 is the glucose transporter in the skeletal muscle, situated in the Golgi apparatus. Though it is possible to delay the onset of diabetes with exercise, it may not be possible to fully treat diabetes with exercise alone. Drug therapy has to be initiated in appropriate stages of diabetes.
Genetic predisposition, overeating, obesity, stress and sedentary habits increase the chance for development of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Exercise increases the non-insulin dependant transport of glucose into the skeletal muscles.
Chronic hyperglycemia leads to non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins like hemoglobin. Glycosylation products can bind to collagen to produce advanced glycosylation end products (AGE). Advanced glycation end products are important in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications like neuropathy and retinopathy. Intracellular hyperglycemia impair ion pumps within the cells.
Carbonate beverages contain fructose which is 75% sweeter than sucrose. Fructose reduces insulin, leptin and ghrelin. This in turn reduces appetite and affects nutrition. Fructose used in beverages is different from the natural variety and is being used because less amount is required for sweetening. Fructose is absorbed by GLUT5. Over consumption of fructose leads to non absorption and causes overgrowth of intestinal bacteria, bloating due to gas production and diarrhoea due to water retention.