7 Aug 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): A groundbreaking Australian study has raised fresh concerns about the long-term health effects of diet sodas, revealing that regular consumption of artificially sweetened beverages may significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes—potentially even more than sugary drinks.
The 14-year longitudinal study, conducted by researchers at Monash University in collaboration with Cancer Council Victoria, tracked the dietary habits and health outcomes of over 36,000 Australians. The findings show that individuals who consumed at least one can of diet soda per day had a 38% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-consumers.
Surprisingly, this risk exceeded the 23% increase linked to daily consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks, traditionally considered more harmful to metabolic health.
“The common perception is that diet sodas are a healthier alternative to sugary drinks,” said Dr. Emily Grant, lead researcher from Monash University. “But our data suggests that even artificially sweetened beverages carry a substantial risk, especially when consumed regularly over the long term.”
The study adds to a growing body of evidence challenging the safety of non-nutritive sweeteners (such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin), which are commonly used in “sugar-free” or “diet” drinks. Researchers believe these substances may disrupt gut microbiota, affect insulin sensitivity, or alter glucose metabolism, ultimately increasing the risk of chronic metabolic diseases.
A Global Public Health Concern
Type 2 diabetes is already one of the world’s most pressing health issues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the condition affects over 500 million people globally, including 1.3 million Australians. The vast majority of cases are preventable and linked to poor diets, lack of physical activity, and rising obesity rates.
Given the global popularity of diet beverages—often marketed as health-conscious alternatives—experts believe the study’s findings could have far-reaching implications for public health policies, consumer awareness, and industry marketing practices.
“We’ve long warned about sugary drinks, but this study shows that diet sodas may not be the safe haven people assume they are,” said Professor Linda Mitchell from Cancer Council Victoria. “Policymakers and health professionals need to revisit the narrative around artificial sweeteners and diet drinks.”
What This Means for Consumers
The researchers emphasized that the study was observational and does not establish direct causation. However, the strength and scale of the findings warrant caution.
Consumers are being advised to limit their intake of both sugary and artificially sweetened beverages, and instead opt for water, unsweetened teas, or natural beverages as healthier alternatives.
“This doesn’t mean people need to panic or completely eliminate diet drinks overnight,” said Dr. Grant. “But moderation is key, and the safest choice is often the simplest—plain water.”
The study, which is expected to be published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolism, is already prompting discussions within health departments and consumer advocacy groups about labelling requirements, advertising standards, and public education campaigns.