06/08/2025
A new study suggests that drinking just one can of diet soda a day may raise your risk of type 2 diabetes by 38%. Researchers from Australia and the Netherlands tracked the eating and drinking habits of over 36,000 Australians aged 40 to 69 for an average of 14 years. They compared people who regularly drank artificially sweetened soft drinks with those who rarely consumed them.
Surprisingly, the risk linked to diet drinks was even higher than the 23% increase seen with sugary drinks. When body weight was considered, the connection between sugary drinks and diabetes disappeared, suggesting weight gain was the main factor. But for artificially sweetened drinks, the higher risk remained, even in people who weren’t overweight.
Scientists don’t yet know exactly why, but they have some ideas. Certain sweeteners, like aspartame, can trigger an insulin response similar to sugar. Others may disrupt gut bacteria, making it harder for the body to control blood sugar. These effects could raise diabetes risk without necessarily causing weight gain.
Artificial sweeteners are often promoted as a healthier alternative for people at risk of diabetes. However, this research suggests they may have their own health dangers, potentially affecting blood sugar control, gut health, and even the brain and heart.
Experts say more studies are needed, but they also call for greater public awareness. They suggest health policies should not only target sugary drinks but also artificially sweetened ones, since both could contribute to long-term health problems.
