The Sweet Deception Raising Your Diabetes Risk

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 24, 2025

You’ve probably seen the commercials… A trim person cracks open a can of diet soda and smiles about the healthy choice they’ve made. After all, no sugar, no calories—what’s not to like?

But according to a new study, that seemingly “smart” swap might be quietly sabotaging your health.

Researchers from Australia and the Netherlands have uncovered a troubling link: Drinking just one can of diet soda per day may raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 38 percent.

That’s not a typo. And even more surprising—it’s a bigger risk than regular, sugar-sweetened soda, which was associated with a 23 percent increase.

Artificial sweeteners were designed to give us the sweetness we crave without the metabolic chaos of sugar.

But as this study (which followed over 36,000 people for an average of 14 years) makes clear… these sugar stand-ins come with their own risks.

Participants who reported drinking diet soda daily were significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes—even after adjusting for factors like age, BMI, and activity level.

That’s a wake-up call, especially for older adults trying to cut sugar for health reasons.

So, what gives? How can something with “zero sugar” and “zero calories” have such a serious effect on blood sugar?

Artificial sweeteners (like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin) may not contain sugar, but they can still disrupt your metabolism.

Here’s how:

• They confuse your body. Sweet taste without real calories can throw off the way your body processes real sugar later.
• They may damage your gut microbiome. Studies show that artificial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria—leading to insulin resistance and inflammation.
• They increase cravings. Sweet tastes can keep your sugar cravings alive, making it harder to break the cycle.

For seniors trying to maintain healthy blood sugar, these effects can add up fast.

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to give up flavorful drinks altogether. There are plenty of tasty, natural alternatives that support your health:

• Infused water. Add lemon, mint, cucumber, or berries to water for refreshing flavor—without the junk.
• Herbal tea. Hot or iced, teas like hibiscus or rooibos offer antioxidants and gentle hydration.
• Sparkling water with citrus. Bubbly and satisfying, but without the sweeteners.
• Kombucha (in moderation). Fermented and tangy, kombucha can support gut health—but watch sugar content.

And if you do need a bit of sweetness? A touch of raw honey or stevia (the plant, not the over-processed extract) is a safer bet.

Swapping sugar for artificial sweeteners might seem like the “lesser evil.” But this new research proves that even just one can a day can spell long-term trouble.

If you’re aiming to prevent diabetes—or manage it naturally—your best option is to stick with real, whole foods and drinks that are as close to nature as possible.

So next time you’re reaching for that shiny silver can stop and consider giving your body real refreshment instead.

P.S. Are you addicted to soda? It’s not your fault.

Source:

Robel Hussen Kabthymer, et al., The association of sweetened beverage intake with risk of type 2 diabetes in an Australian population: A longitudinal study, Diabetes & Metabolism, 2025, 101665, ISSN 1262-3636, DOI:10.1016/j.diabet.2025.101665.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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