Are Diet Sodas Bad For Diabetics?

Diabetes describes a disorder in which the body's is unable to properly stabilize blood sugar levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that it affects over 8 percent of the American population, with that number projected to soar up to 33 percent by 2050. To manage their sugar intake, some individuals may turn to diet sodas as an alternative to sweetened beverages. The logic of trying to reduce sugar intake and maintain a healthy weight sounds reasonable. However, diet sodas may prove unhealthy for diabetics.

Fasting Glucose Levels

Normally, the human body keeps blood sugar levels stable through the action of hormones called insulin produced by the pancreas. While diet sodas do not contain sugar, they can potentially impact how well the body is able to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. A 2011 study by the University of Texas found that mice fed aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, showed higher blood sugar levels and lower insulin levels after three months on this diet. Researchers concluded that these data show positive evidence of a link between diet soda consumption and the risk of diabetes in humans.

Metabolic Syndrome

Diet sodas may also increase the risk for metabolic syndrome in diabetes, a collection of conditions that increases the risk for chronic disease. Another 2011 study by the University of Texas found that consumption of diet sodas resulted in a 70-percent increase in waist circumference measurements in drinkers versus non-drinkers. Abdominal weight accumulation has been linked with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions.

Considerations

When considering the health effects on diabetics, a review of the trends in consumption will show an association of the increase in diabetes and diet soda consumption. The "Dietary Guidelines for American, 2010" estimates that the typical soda fountain drink increased from 7 oz. in 1955 to 12 to 42 oz. in 2002, an increase of up to 500 percent. The guidelines stress that Americans need to reduce their consumption of foods and beverages with added sugars. Sweetened sports drinks, soda and energy drinks make up over 35 percent of the daily calories of added sugars in the average American diet.

Healthy Choices

Rather than opting for diet sodas, a healthier alternative for diabetics may be plain water. You may be able to include 100 percent fruit juices when consumed with a meal for added nutritional benefits. Medical evidence does not support adding diet sodas to your diet. The evidence instead suggests that it may impair your ability to control your risk for complications associated with diabetes. Consult your doctor for additional information regarding healthy diet choices.