While soda may seem like a good idea to quench your thirst, new studies show that drinking Diet Coke and similar beverages might pose more risk than you originally thought, including an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The study showed that sweeteners found in Diet Coke and other diet drinks change the bacteria in your gut which can also alter the regulation of your glucose levels increasing your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Out of the 27 non-diabetic participants that were studied, half of them were given placebos and the other half were given three capsules of low-calorie sweeteners, or the equivalent of drinking 1.5L of diet soda a day.

After two weeks, those who took the capsules of low calorie sweeteners had increased measures of their body’s response to glucose and a significant reduction in good gut bacteria.

Additional studies have shown that six common artificial sweeteners – aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, neotame, advantame, and acesulfame potassium-k – are all toxic to good gut bacteria. Researchers have found links between these sweeteners and obesity, Alzheimer’s, and stroke.

Widespread health issues can be caused by consumption of artificial sweeteners according to the studies. Sadly, diet soda isn’t the only thing that artificial sweetener can be found in. Studies show it has been found in environmental pollutants as well.

If you know anyone who is regularly consuming diet sodas or other artificial sweeteners, please share this information with them. They need to know about the health risks.