Research
Mixed
Higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with a greater increase in type 2 diabetes risk compared to artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs).
If you must choose between sugary and artificially sweetened drinks, sugary drinks pose a much higher risk for type 2 diabetes. However, both are associated with increased risk compared to not drinking them. The best choice for diabetes prevention is water or unsweetened beverages.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Compared with those who never or rarely consumed SSBs or ASBs, those who consumed ≥2 servings/day had a 41% (HR 1.41 [95% CI 1.33, 1.50]) and 11% (HR 1.11 [95% CI 1.07, 1.16]) higher risk of type 2 diabetes, respectively.
Why this rating
Consistent with previous meta-analyses cited, large cohort data.
Source
Sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverage consumption, physical activity and risk of type 2 diabetes in US adults
Lorena S. Pacheco et al. · Diabetologia · 2025
cohort · n=191805Cited 3×
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