09/08/2025
New research has found that consuming even one diet soda daily could raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 38%—a higher increase than that linked to sugar-sweetened drinks.
In a long-term study of over 36,000 Australians aged 40–69, researchers tracked participants’ sweetened beverage consumption over 14 years. They discovered that artificially sweetened drinks, including diet sodas, had a stronger link to diabetes risk than sugary drinks—even after accounting for body weight.
This suggests artificial sweeteners may have harmful effects independent of obesity. Scientists suspect these sweeteners may interfere with insulin signaling, alter gut microbiota, or mimic sugar’s effects on the body.
Though causality isn’t yet proven, the study adds to mounting evidence that artificial sweeteners may not be a “healthier” option. Researchers are calling for increased awareness and broader policy action—not just on sugary drinks, but on all non-nutritive beverages.
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RESEARCH PAPER đź“„
Robel Hussen Kabthymer et al, "The association of sweetened beverage intake with risk of type 2 diabetes in an Australian population: A longitudinal study", Diabetes & Metabolism (2025)
