It's a common question. One of the first things we ask them is 'How much soda do you drink on a daily basis?'

Most of these Type 2 newbies are consuming two, three, four, even six or seven Mountain Dews, Coca Cola or Pepsi and don't understand why their weight has ballooned and their blood sugar is through the roof.

It's bad enough that these drinks have a high calorie count, driving your weight out of control. But they're also causing your blood sugar levels to skyrocket.

Everyone across the medical spectrum, from the Mayo Clinic to Natural Cures author Kevin Trudeau has identified high fructose corn syrup as a toxin that may actually be driving the diabetes epidemic in the United States.

About 40 years ago, high fructose corn syrup, or HFCS was introduced into the U.S. food supply. It was a cheap, easy to use sugar alternative. Average per person consumption was about ½ pound per year.

Today, that figure has risen considerably, with average per person consumption approaching 100 pounds. Over that same period of time, obesity rates have more than doubled.

There are two problems with HFCS that should cause all diabetics to remove it from their diets.

One, it's more calorie dense than sugar.

Two, it robs your body of a trace mineral called chromium. Chromium is important because it helps to regulate blood sugar levels in our bodies. When you drink soda with HFCS, it has the double negative effect of expanding your waistline and throwing your blood sugar regulation out of control.

Soda is one of the leading sources of HFCS consumption. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, we consume more than a pound of it, per person, per week.

Soda consumption has increased to about 1.5 gallons per week per person, spiking blood sugar levels nationwide.

HFCS is called the 'Devil's Candy' because what's good for food and beverage manufacturers (meaning low cost ingredients for higher profits) is bad for the U.S. population.

So, when diabetics ask us what to do about their recently diagnosed condition, the first thing we say it 'Put down that soda or replace it immediately with a diet version'.

By following that one bit of advice, you can make a big difference in your weight and blood sugar.

But wait, you're not safe yet! High fructose corn syrup is found in many foods and beverages today, in places you wouldn't suspect.

The most common sources of HFCS (The Devil's Candy) are:

-Regular soft drinks

-Apple Juice

-Jelly Beans

-Pancake Syrup

-Popsicles

-Frozen Yogurt

-Fruit flavored Yogurt

-Ketchup

-Sweetened Cereals

-Past Sauce

-Canned Soup

To get your weight and blood sugar under control, it's suggested that you replace these foods and beverages with diet soda, unrefined apple juice, real maple syrup, low sugar cereals, organic or all-natural soups.

Because HFCS is found in many other products in lesser amounts, the accumulated effect may still throw your blood sugar and weight out of whack.

It's also suggested that you take a chromium supplement to restore normal, healthy chromium levels to your system.

Research studies show that niacin-bound chromium is the most effective and safe version for keeping your chromium levels in balance