Artificial sweeteners can cause diabetes

Consumption of non-caloric, artificially sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

This counterintuitive result reflects negative consequences of interfering with learned relationships between sweet tastes and typical postingestive outcomes, which may result in impaired ability to compensate for energy provided when caloric sweeteners are consumed.

The study by Dr Susan E Swithers at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN published in July issue of Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism found an elevated risk for weight gain and obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension in those who consumed ASBs. No decreased risk for weight gain or increased body fat percentage was associated with ASB intake.