Diet Coke fans warned as more evidence shows it could increase the risk of ‘silent killer’

Experts have warned artificial sweeteners found in a lot of your favourite treats — including Diet Coke and sugar free gum — are increasing your risk of a major disease. See how it affects you.

Swapping full-fat drinks for diet alternatives may be worse than you think, with scientists warning it increases your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Experts say they’re even more concerned about artificial sweeteners, found in fizzy drinks such as Diet Coke and sugar free gum, being used as replacements for sugar after research in June showed they can cause cancer.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned you shouldn't turn to non-sugar sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin and stevia and that it will soon classify aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.

Food products that contain the artificial sweetener aspartame including Equal, Crystal Light, Trident, Diet Coke, and Royal Jello. Picture: AFP

The new study, published in the Diabetes Journal, found people who consumed artificial sweeteners were more at risk to type 2 diabetes compared with those who didn't.

“The findings strengthen evidence that these additives may not be safe sugar alternatives,” the researchers wrote.

“[It also] provides important insights in the context of ongoing worldwide re-evaluation of artificial sweeteners by health authorities.”

The French scientists analysed the diets and health of 105,588 people for nine years.

Diet Coke contains the artificial sweetener aspartame. Picture: AFP

By the end of the study, 972 participants had developed type 2 diabetes.

The experts found those who consumed between 16 and 18mg of artificial sweeteners per day had a 69 per cent higher chance of developing the condition than those who ate less.

While those who ate and drank aspartame-containing products specifically had a 63 per cent higher chance of developing the disease.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying to
• Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
• Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
• Blurred vision

You're more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are over 40
• Have a close relative with diabetes (such as a parent, brother or sister)
• Are overweight or obese

Originally published as Diet Coke fans warned as more evidence shows it could increase the risk of ‘silent killer’