4 days ago
Diet soda may raise Type 2 diabetes risk by 38%: Study warns
A new large-scale Australian study has raised serious concerns about the health effects of artificially sweetened beverages. According to researchers, consuming just one can of diet soda daily could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 38%.
Even more surprising is that this risk is higher than the 23% increase linked to traditional sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
Type 2 diabetes currently affects 1.3 million Australians and over 500 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization. The vast majority of cases are linked to poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles. With diet sodas being widely marketed as 'safe' or 'diet-friendly,' the findings of this study may shift both public behaviour and industry regulations.
This discovery challenges the long-standing belief that diet sodas are a healthier alternative for those trying to manage their weight, blood sugar, or diabetes risk.
Artificial sweeteners like in diet sodas pose hidden diabetes risk; new study
This study, published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolism, was a collaborative effort by Monash University, RMIT University, and the Cancer Council Victoria. Researchers observed the dietary habits of 36,608 Australians over nearly 14 years, tracking their intake of sugary and artificially sweetened beverages and their subsequent health outcomes.
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The research team, led by Professor Barbora de Courten, Associate Professor Allison Hodge, and PhD student Robel Hussen Kabthymer, found that artificial sweeteners were independently associated with a significantly higher diabetes risk, even when factors like body weight, exercise levels, and overall diet were accounted for.
Diet sodas may trigger Type 2 diabetes risk independently of body weight
Many people at risk of type 2 diabetes are advised to switch to diet sodas, assuming they're a safer option.
However, this study suggests otherwise. 'Artificial sweeteners are often recommended to people at risk of diabetes as a healthier alternative,' explained Professor de Courten. 'But our results suggest they may pose their own health risks.'
Interestingly, while the risk from sugary drinks can largely be attributed to obesity, the link between artificially sweetened drinks and diabetes remained strong even after accounting for body mass index.
This suggests a direct metabolic effect may be at play.
How diet sodas may affect metabolism
Though low in calories, artificial sweeteners may disrupt gut microbiota, alter glucose metabolism, or cause insulin resistance. These changes can contribute to blood sugar dysregulation — a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.
The authors point out that more research is needed to fully understand the biological mechanisms, but the current findings are enough to urge caution.
This study carries major implications for public health messaging. Professor de Courten advocates for broader strategies beyond just taxing sugary beverages: 'We support measures like sugary drink taxes, but our study shows we also need to pay attention to artificially sweetened options.
These are often marketed as better for you, yet may carry their own risks.'
She emphasises that non-nutritive beverages—whether sugar-loaded or artificially sweetened—should be consumed sparingly, and policies must reflect this growing body of evidence.
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