A new Australian study has found that consuming just one “diet soda” daily may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a staggering 38%.
The research team noted that this risk is significantly higher than that associated with drinking sugary soda, which increased the diabetes risk by 23%.
These findings emerged from an analysis by researchers from Monash University and RMIT in Australia, examining health and dietary data from over 36,000 Australian adults over nearly 14 years.
Professor Barbara de Courten, the lead researcher, stated that the results contradict the common belief that artificially sweetened beverages are a better option than those sweetened with natural sugars.
She added, “Artificial sweeteners are often recommended for individuals at risk of diabetes as a healthier alternative. However, our results suggest they may pose health risks in their own right.”
The research team indicated that the association between sugar-free soft drinks and type 2 diabetes remained strong even after accounting for body weight, suggesting these beverages may directly impact our metabolism.
Type 2 diabetes affects over 500 million people worldwide, with most cases linked to diet and lifestyle. If left uncontrolled, the condition can lead to damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, along with serious complications such as kidney failure, vision loss, and heart disease.
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