A new study has discovered the first link between sugary soda drinks and the risk of diabetes.

According to a study found in Diabetes Care, women who drink more than five ounces of sugar-sweetened cola a week before becoming pregnant significantly increase their risk of developing the disease during a pregnancy.

The study found that women who consumed five soda servings a week were likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), or a glucose intolerance that begins during pregnancy.

“Compared with women who consumed less than 1 serving per month, those who consumed more than 5 servings per week of sugar-sweetened cola had a 22% greater GDM risk,” noted lead author Dr. Liwei Chen.

GDM is one of the most common pregnancy complications that could create a problematic delivery or bring on illnesses such as type 2 diabetes.

It was also found that mothers experiencing GDM are also putting their children at risk for obesity, glucose intolerance and early onset diabetes.

Some nutritionists feel that by cutting out soda and taking natural diabetes supplements such as magnesium may help curb the risk factor.