Mixed
Daily consumption of diet soda is associated with a significantly increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes (67% greater relative risk) and metabolic syndrome (36% greater relative risk) compared to non-consumption, independent of baseline adiposity measures.
If you drink diet soda daily, be aware that observational data links this habit to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, even after accounting for body weight. While this doesn't prove diet soda causes diabetes, it suggests that relying on it as a 'free' substitute for sugary drinks may not offer the metabolic protection assumed. Consider monitoring your overall dietary patterns and blood glucose levels.
At least daily consumption of diet soda was associated with a 36% greater relative risk of incident metabolic syndrome and a 67% greater relative risk of incident type 2 diabetes compared with nonconsumption (HR 1.36 [95% CI 1.11–1.66] for metabolic syndrome and 1.67 [1.27–2.20] for type 2 diabetes).
Why this rating
Observational cohort study; authors explicitly caution against causality due to potential residual confounding.
Source
Diet Soda Intake and Risk of Incident Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Jennifer A. Nettleton et al. · Diabetes Care · 2009
DOI 10.2337/dc08-1799
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