Diet Soda Bigger Diabetes Threat Than Sugary Stuff

Sugar-packed soda has been linked to a boosted diabetes risk—but it turns out the diet version may pose an even bigger threat. Researchers tracked 66,000 French women over 14 years; the volunteers were middle-aged or older when the study began. People who drank 12 ounces of either kind of soda per week had a one-third higher risk of diabetes compared to those who drank 100% fruit juice; those who drank 20 ounces a week saw a doubled risk, the AFP reports.

But here's the kicker: Those who drank 16.9 ounces of diet soda per week had a 15% higher risk of diabetes than regular-soda drinkers, while those who downed 50 ounces of diet soda per week had a 59% higher diabetes risk. Diet soda drinkers generally drank more soda overall than regular soda fans, which may boost the danger, the Daily Mail notes. More research is needed, however, to be certain of a link, say researchers, who made note of a previous study that showed aspartame affects insulin levels much like sucrose does. The news comes on the heels of word that diet soda may cause depression—and, along similar lines, that margarine may be worse for you than butter. (More diet soda stories.)