Saying Goodbye to Zero-Calorie Drinks? ― Shocking 38% Increase in Diabetes Risk with Artificial Sweeteners

The labels "Zero" and "Diet" might not be a free pass for healthy choices. The InfoMoney article dated August 20, 2025, introduced a study indicating that regular consumption of artificially sweetened beverages could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 38%. However, it also emphasized that there is no consensus among experts. The debate is moving beyond the simple dichotomy of "sugar vs. zero" to how we confront "sweetness."InfoMoney

Core of the Study: Numbers from 36,000 People Over 14 Years

The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) in Australia tracked the consumption of soft drinks and the onset of type 2 diabetes among 36,608 individuals (aged 40–69). The results are clear. The risk of onset for those consuming artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) "once a day or more" was IRR=1.38 (95%CI 1.18–1.61), while for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) it was IRR=1.23 (1.05–1.45). Furthermore, after adjusting for BMI and waist/hip ratio, the association with SSB weakened, whereas ASB remained. Sensitivity analysis exploring the impact of reverse causality also maintained the conclusion. The numbers suggest the unique impact of "sweetness that shouldn't be sweet" on metabolism. PubMed Why Does "Zero" Increase Risk? — Possible Mechanisms

There are multiple hypotheses. For example, the possibility that aspartame could trigger an insulin response

, or that saccharin and sucralose might disrupt gut microbiota
, impairing glucose tolerance

. Since each sweetener has different mechanisms of action

, "artificial sweeteners" are not monolithic, but there is also concern that "perception of sweetness" might enhance appetite and preference

.

Oncology RepublicScienceAlert Guidelines and Position Statements: The World's "Course"WHO (2023) does not recommend the use of non-sugar sweeteners for weight loss. This cautious stance is based on their long-term association with diabetes, heart disease, and mortality

.

The Washington Post

• Brazil's Three Societies (SBEM/SBD/Abeso, 2023) suggest that while they may help reduce sugar intake, considering the limitations of observational studies, causality is not established. abeso.org.br

• The American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2025 clearly states "water first" and positions short-term, moderate use of NNS as "better than sugar" harm reduction. diabetes.org

  diaTribe

• In summary, the international consensus is "prioritize water and unsweetened options, use NNS short-term and sparingly." Media and Social Media Stir "Fluctuations": Gathering VoicesThe study spread through official university announcements and various media, sparking immediate reactions on social media like "quitting zero drinks." Meanwhile, medical influencers caution that "observational studies cannot make definitive claims." Some posts even sarcastically warn against "WhatsApp scientists." Public opinion is divided into "should quit" and "stay calm" camps, with only the consensus to "return to water" quietly gaining strength.New Atlas

Instagram

Still, Is "Better Than Sugar" Valid?The key point of this study is that the association with ASB remained even after accounting for body size. This challenges the simple intuition that "it's safe because it doesn't cause weight gain." However, observational studies are not entirely free from confounding or reporting biases. Therefore, while it's premature to definitively claim "ASB = immediately harmful," the cautious conclusion that "it shouldn't be a daily reliance" aligns with much of the evidence.PubMed Practical Guide: Redesigning Your Drinks Starting Today

Regular drinks should be water
(sparkling water, unsweetened tea, black coffee). Even during exercise, prioritize

hydration with water

.

diabetes.org Remove "Sweetness Learning": Set a reset period of 1–2 weeks to get used to unsweetened options. Don't be complacent with "sugar-free" labels

: Avoid regular consumption of ultra-processed

beverages and foods with artificial sweeteners.

1. InfoMoney

   Make indulgences "events": If you occasionally indulge, avoid between meals and pair with water.

   Alternatives
: Homemade iced tea, lemon water, fruit-infused water, unsweetened yogurt with fruit smoothies.
InfoMoney

3. Conclusion: Regaining "Distance" from SweetnessNeither sugar nor "zero" should be your daily companion. Start by returning to water

   and making unsweetened choices the default
. While there are still unknowns regarding the long-term safety of artificial sweeteners
4. , a diet that doesn't rely on "sweet flavors"

   promotes overall healthy preferences as well as glucose metabolism. While keeping an eye on future research, let's start re-evaluating from today's drink.

   The Washington Post

5. PubMed

Reference Articles

Goodbye to Zero-Calorie Drinks? Study Suggests Increased Diabetes Risk from Artificial Sweeteners

Source: https://www.infomoney.com.br/saude/adeus-refri-zero-pesquisa-aponta-maior-risco-de-diabetes-por-consumo-de-adocantes/ Powered by Froala Editor