Experts Urge Caution as Study Links This Popular Drink to 2x the Risk of Diabetes originally appeared on Parade.
There’s nothing quite like a crisp diet soda on a hot day. It’s cool, bubbly and somehow so refreshing. Add some lime and you’ve got a summertime treat. You can even make a dirty soda by adding a little cream. Yum! But a new study is shining light on diet soda’s health effects, and they might not be as harmless as they seem.
A new study has found that consuming artificially sweetened beverages, which are commonly marketed as the “healthier” alternative to sugary drinks, could significantly increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers collected data on more than 4,654 adults in the 30-year-long Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. They assessed the diets of participants at the start of the study, then again after seven and 20 years.
Researchers discovered that individuals who consumed the highest amounts of artificially sweetened drinks, like diet sodas or sugar-free flavored waters, were more than twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who rarely drank them. That’s a 129% increase in risk, raising serious questions about what we’re really sipping on when we go “sugar-free.”
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The study adds fuel to the growing debate around artificial sweeteners. Long considered a safer option for those watching their weight or blood sugar, these sugar substitutes may interfere with insulin sensitivity and disrupt gut health, which are two key factors in developing diabetes. While the beverages contain few or no calories, their long-term metabolic effects may not be so benign.
Of course, sugary drinks aren’t off the hook either. Regular sodas, sweetened teas and energy drinks remain one of the most well-documented contributors to rising diabetes and obesity rates worldwide. Even 100% fruit juices, which many perceive as healthy, can elevate blood sugar when consumed in excess.
This new study challenges the widely accepted belief that diet drinks are a safe swap. And while more research is needed to pinpoint exactly how artificial sweeteners may influence insulin response, the evidence so far suggests that moderation—and even reconsideration—is warranted.
So, what should you drink instead? Nutrition experts continue to recommend simple, no-frills hydration. Water remains the gold standard, but unsweetened tea and black coffee are also considered safe and beneficial for most people. Infused waters with fruit or herbs can offer a flavorful twist without the potential downsides of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
I’m a daily Coke Zero drinker, but after this study, I may be willing to make a change. I do love iced tea!
Related: Drinking Tea Has One Very Surprising Health Benefit
Experts Urge Caution as Study Links This Popular Drink to 2x the Risk of Diabetes first appeared on Parade on Jun 27, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
