A single serving of many sugary drinks can contain the same amount of sugar as a plate of food. A 20-ounce serving will contain 133 milligrams of caffeine with . But then I drank a bit . Its wonderful writing like this that keeps me coming back to the site. One or more of them are likely enough to be true that everyone . Until recently in Australia mountain dew was caffine free . Mountain Dew is by all accounts a bit of an enigma. Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, sweet tea, lemonade and sweetened coffee beverages lead to excess added sugar in the diet, which may lead to weight gain. What drink lowers blood pressure for people with diabetes? Even though it's not. How Much Sugar is in a Can of Mountain Dew? Diet soda has links to weight gain and metabolic syndrome, which can make diabetes worse or increase the risk of it developing. All rights reserved. I am curious if any other Mtn Dew enjoyers out there have ran into health problems, or can recommend some Mtn Dew diabetes friendly options/alternatives? The combination is rich in nutrients and rehydrates the body. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. By Stacey Hugues privacy practices. Despite the lower sugar content, Mountain Dew Zero still contains an array of ingredients that can lead to health problems if consumed regularly. It may seem strange, but artificial sweeteners can raise your blood sugar. Its best to limit your intake of these substances, or steer clear of them altogether. Discover more resources for living with type 2 diabetes by downloading the free app T2D Healthline. The exception is for those with a rare genetic condition called phenylketonuria aspartame is unsafe for people with this disorder. Get back on track in 5 steps. These health problems are directly related to the high amounts of sugar and caffeine that Mountain Dew contains. It has the potential to induce memory loss! They increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The preservatives used to keep the beverage fresh can also have an effect on your heart health. Not only does it contain aspartame, ace-K, and sucralose, but it also . You have to remember we are all different and react differently. Staying hydrated is especially important with diabetes, so make sure that you're drinking enough. There is a problem with While it does contain less sugar than its original counterpart, it also contains artificial sweeteners that can still cause blood sugar spikes, leading to health issues like diabetes and obesity. Lohner S, et al. While one might be enough for the day (if you so choose), more than that might be just pushing it. While Mountain Dew Zero does not contain any sugar, it is still important to be aware of its potential effects on blood sugar levels. I thought that if it was diet it was ok. Now someone has said that the caffine is not good for the bs. This compares with something like 250 calories in a same-size bottle of ordinary (non-diet) Mountain Dew. Enjoy your mountain dew, it's likely not to affect your BG's. Dehydration is a common side effect for people living with diabetes. No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: A counterbalanced cross-over study in a free-living population. Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt the bodys normal processes and can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Nutrition Journal. So while Mountain Dew Zero may not be as bad for your health as the full sugar version, it is still important to take caution when consuming this soda. Not only do sugary drinks increase blood sugar levels, but they also result in weight gain, increasing the risk of diabetes. After all, your health should always come first! . Released in 2021 alongside Major Melon. Moreover, Mountain Dew is a high-calorie drink at 290 calories per 22 oz. Side effects of Mountain Dew are similar to those of any other soda. Buy Now. Meanwhile, others, such as stevia, monk fruit extract, and allulose are naturally derived. Drinking ample fluid throughout the day can help support glucose control by flushing out excess sugar in the blood through urine. It makes theoretical sense that replacing a higher calorie food or drink with a lower calorie one would help with weight management. We avoid using tertiary references. Talk to your endocrinologist about appropriate insulin dosages for different types of alcohol. 2. Several of the ingredients, such as caffeine and sugar substitutes, can have an adverse effect on your heart health. Diabetes Diet, Eating, & Physical Activity. Does soy really affect breast cancer risk? Must be dew to the increased caffeine content to try and hook consumers on the Buzzzzz. Nutritional Benefits of Mountain Dew. Calorie count. So the label is correct, it is sugar free. JavaScript is disabled. #3. Potential health benefits and risks of drinking diet soda. It has 0 calories, so you can drink it without worries when on a weight-loss diet. Caffeine shuts off a hormone responsible for holding onto water called the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which causes an increase in urination. It may even help you to satisfy a craving so that you can stay on your healthy beverage plan in the long term. This crash in energy levels can lead to a decrease in physical activity, which over time can lead to an increase in body fat. Don't get tricked by these 3 heart-health myths, Get to know the new Nutrition Facts label, Nutrition rules that will fuel your workout, Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health. The truth is, while Mountain Dew Zero is not as bad as the original Mountain Dew, its still important to consume it in moderation. Nutr Res. This is about the same amount of caffeine that you will find in a standard cup of coffee, which . Looks good! This may explain why some research connects diet soda use with a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. So, someone with diabetes could get 45 to 60 grams of . A., Lutsey, P. L., Wang, Y., Lima, J. It is important to note that caffeine can have negative effects if consumed in large amounts, so it is important to monitor your intake when drinking Mountain Dew Zero. The results of the study showed a 67-percent increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes in people who drank diet soda daily. Front Pharmacol. "caffeine withdrawal headache" is what you have had - and I bet it hurt! Sodium benzoate, which is a preservative, can also interfere with normal glucose levels. $7.49 per 18-pack at Amazon. Rating: 9 out of 10 Purchased at: Target Studies have shown that regular consumption of these sweeteners can lead to an increase in hunger and cravings for sugary and fatty foods, which can lead to weight gain. Mountain Dew Zero is an appealing alternative to the original Mountain Dew, but it still contains several ingredients that have the potential to have adverse health effects. Moderation is key, and if you do choose to indulge, make sure to pair it with plenty of water to help reduce the potential risks associated with this beverage. Diet Mountain Dew has an outstanding flavor that, to put it simply, stays on the palate for longer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Donna, the best way to tell if it will raise your bg is to test after drinking it. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? In the study, researchers found a significant link between diet soda and the development of high blood sugar levels and belly fat, two factors of metabolic syndrome. Heres how to decide if zero-sugar drinks and sugar substitutes are right for you. What Is The Blood Sugar Reaction Of Coke Zero For Diabetics? Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota. Reminds me of when I when I decided to stop drinking coffee. Much of the water content in produce is lost during cooking, but you may prevent the loss by choosing soups and stews. . I have never had an issue with it ever. Water is the best fluid to drink whether you have diabetes or not. Fagherazzi, G., Vilier, A., Saes Sartorelli, D., Lajous, M., Balkau, B., & Clavel-Chapelon, F. (2013, January 30). Its made with no artificial sweeteners, so you dont have to worry about any harmful chemicals. Mountain Dew Zero is appealing because it has zero sugar and calories, but still packs a punch of energy. If these calories and carbs have been a barrier from choosing PepsiCos citrus soda, this is the Dew for you. Why Does Diet Mountain Dew Taste Different Than Regular Mountain Dew. Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that often occur together. The artificial sweeteners used in diet sodas may still promote health risks, though many do not directly raise blood sugar. You may not need to cut this out of your diet. However, if you are going to do the Dew, there's one big reason you should consider skipping the diet Dew. Zero Sugar may refer to: Mountain Dew Zero Sugar, the original citrus Dew with no sugar. If youre concerned about your health, its probably best to avoid drinking Mountain Dew Zero. Many people choose sports and energy drinks when thirsty or while exercising. When you find something that says carb-free, or even low carb, you also have to be careful, because if the serving size results in a carb content of less than 0.5, they can legally round to zero on the label, and call it carb-free. But stress, illness, lack of sleep and skipping meals do raise my bgs. It contains no sugar, and the few calories it contains are mostly from caffeine. Yu E, et al. Taco Bell has a Mountain Dew Baja Blast Zero Sugar drink, which some have said tastes just as good as the original. Mountain Dew Zero is a relatively new alternative to the original Mountain Dew, and it certainly has its appeal. The role of artificial and natural sweeteners in reducing the consumption of table sugar: A narrative review. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Can eating too much fruit cause type 2 diabetes? Like all new things (like cuninglingus) its annaquired taste. Healthier low-calorie choices abound, including water, skim milk, and unsweetened tea or coffee. A 12-ounce can will have 0 calories, but larger serving sizes will have 5, or even 10 calories. Research shows that caffeine-containing beverages can contribute to your hydration goalsas long as you're a regular coffee/tea drinker. Look for whole grains, avoid sugar. Diet soda intake is associated with long-term increases in waist circumference in a biethnic cohort of older adults: The San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging [Abstract]. I just had a Bang drink the other day for the first time and walked around the rest of the day yelling out "Bang!" Spark Zero Sugar, a raspberry lemonade Dew with no sugar. (2013). I dont drink soda often any more, but I used to love Mt Dew! Some types of diet soda are even fortified with vitamins and minerals. Aug 25, 2012. Mountain Dew Zero also contains several other ingredients that have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, including caffeine, phosphoric acid, and sodium benzoate. 2014;514(7521):181-6. doi:10.1038/nature13793, GardenerH, Moon YP, RundekT. Diet soda and sugar-sweetened soda consumption in relation to incident diabetes in the Northern Manhattan Study. Stick to the recommendations of one glass per day for women and two per day for men. On top of all this, it has no sugar, so theres no need to worry about it having an adverse effect on your blood sugar levels. A growing body of evidence suggests that diet soda consumption correlates with an increased risk of a wide range of medical conditions, notably: heart conditions, such as heart attack and high . MD Zero is sweetened with aspartame, Ace-K, and sucralose and has more caffeine than Diet Mountain Dew and originalMountain Dew. I'd drink a can then test in 1 hr and 2 hrs, to see what it's doing to your blood glucose. Although fruit does contain sugar, eating it. Although switching from regular soda to diet soda may save you calories, it's not yet clear if it's effective for preventing obesity and related health problems in the long term. If we combine this information with your protected -2. Its important to note that the sugar substitutes found in Mountain Dew Zero can be just as unhealthy as sugar itself. Obviously, I don't recommend consuming so much regularly, but my point is that caffeine doesn't affect every diabetic the same. The waist circumference of participants increased when they drank diet soda for a long period. Its a great way to reduce calories without sacrificing the taste and experience of drinking a soda. Download the app for iPhone or Android. But whether these drinks are any better than the diet drinks theyre replacing is debatable. Essentially, soda and other sugar-added beverages can quickly spike blood sugar levels, as the carbohydrates are readily available for digestion and not slowed down by fiber, fat, or protein. Water is always the best choice, but other good options include vegetable juices and homemade iced teas. Institute of Medicine of the National Academy. Artificial sweeteners: sugar-free, but at what cost? You wanna fill your daily carb limit with pure cane sugar? The brand's Zero Sugar offering comes with a lot less ingredients compared to the others. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Diabetes is a serious health condition, and consuming Mountain Dew Zero could possibly increase your risk for developing it. Pros: The Pepsi Zero Sugar has 69 mg caffeine which isn't that much, but it is much more than the regular Pepsi Drink and many other drinks. The caffeine in Mountain Dew Zero can have an adverse effect on your weight. Zero has zero sugar and tastes better than Mountain Dew Diet. These can be signs you aren't managing your diabetes as well as you could. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about the beverages that you drink. and Diet Coke (76 mg/20 oz.). While this may sound like a good thing, overconsumption of artificial sweeteners can lead to potential health risks, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. A study done by the Journal of Toxicology found that drinking 2 - 4 liters of bromine-containing soda had been linked to memory loss. Try also supplementing your intake with plenty of water and other healthy beverages. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All keto is is consuming 20g or less of net carbohydrate per day. doi:10.1093/advances/nmy107. Although Mountain Dew Zero doesnt contain a lot of sugar substitutes, its still important to be mindful of how much youre consuming. Hard mountain dew baja blast zero sugar has zero sugar, zero caffeine, 100 calories and 5% alcohol. Accessed July 3, 2018. Both of the sweeteners used inside a Diet Coke are reputed to be quite safe as in the case of diabetes. Not as juicy as diet dew and very bitter aftertaste and coating of the palate. Most Type 2 diabetics, as long as they comply with treatment and their blood sugar is stable within a reasonable range, can consume sweets and complex carbs in moderation. High-intensity sweeteners. It's related to your blood sugar levels and how hard your kidneys are working to manage fluids in the body as a result of higher blood glucose. As for caffine, I do have to bolus for my morning coffee. and our It's recommended that people with diabetes drink moderatelythat means no more than two drinks per day for men, one for womenif at all. Gatorade: 50 calories, 14 carbohydrates (grams) Mountain Dew Sport: 95 calories, 24 carbohydrates (grams) All Sport: 70 calories, 19 carbohydrates (grams) Rehydrate: 40 calories, 10 carbohydrates (grams) Performance: 100 . In addition, some dentists consider Mountain Dew to be the worst soda for tooth decay. Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). Its zero calorie, zero carb. They also cause blood sugar levels to spike when a person eats carbohydrates, increasing waist circumference and body fat. However, a new study has found that Mountain Dew Zero does not raise blood sugar levels. The researchers stated that other factors might also be at play in the increased diabetes risk and therefore more studies need to be conducted to prove any causal links. Soda Her latest book is "Sugar Shock." Wont be buying anymore. By its conclusion, the study linked both sugar-sweetened beverages and artificially sweetened beverages to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Released in 2022 alongside Spark. To sum it up, Mountain Dew Zero can be an enjoyable and healthy option if you keep to the recommended consumption guidelines. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For these reasons, it may, Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight and having high blood sugar levels. 10. It's one of the few things from my old ways of eating I get to enjoy! Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota, Diet soda and sugar-sweetened soda consumption in relation to incident diabetes in the Northern Manhattan Study, Fluid intake and beverage consumption description and their association with dietary vitamins and antioxidant compounds in Italian adults from the mediterranean healthy eating, aging and lifestyles (Meal) study, Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium chloride, and sulfate, Anti-hypertensive herbs and their mechanisms of action: part i, Infrequent urination (fewer than four times a day). 2014;9(1):e84154. Milk, along with yogurt and other dairy products, may offer benefits in lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes while also providing nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Researchers, however, say more study is needed to understand the various effects of dairy products in the diet. Opt for healthier options, such as plain water, herbal tea, or sugar-free beverages that are low in added sugar and artificial sweeteners. Research is inconclusive as to whether these sweeteners can lead to diabetes, but it is still best to err on the side of caution and avoid drinking Mountain Dew Zero as a regular part of your diet. What's the difference between juicing and blending? IFICs 2021 Annual Food and Health Survey, Stick to your resolutions with sugar-free meals, How to reduce the 50 pounds of added sugar kids eat every year, Whats REALLY in your breakfast cereal? Artificial sweeteners can be addictive and over-consumption can lead to an increased appetite and an increased risk of developing diabetes and obesity. When managing diabetes, water should be the drink of choice but there are healthy alternatives. Fact check: PepsiCo pulls contentious BVO from Mountain Dew but it isn't a flame retardant. That Hit the spot. Its fine. Size: 16.9 oz (6 bottles) Code Red Zero Sugar, a cherry Dew with no sugar. Many low or non-caffeinated herbal teas like citrus green tea, peppermint, hibiscus and others are readily available and are healthy alternative beverages. The Worst. This content does not have an Arabic version. Mountain Dew Zero contains several sugar substitutes, or artificial sweeteners, such as acesulfame potassium, aspartame, and sucralose. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with So, put down the MD if you're looking to lose weight. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084154, Tsvetkova DD, Klisurov RC, Pankova SA, Zlatkov BA. Be mindful of the carb levels of different types of alcohol. Whether for weight loss or to just get healthier, IFICs 2021 Annual Food and Health Surveyrevealed that 40% of people between the ages of 18 and 80 said they were following a prescribed diet in 2021. Mountain Dew Zero has been identified as a potential contributor to obesity. In terms of caffeine content in the soda category, Pepsi Zero Sugar takes the lead with 115 mg of caffeine/20 oz., followed by Mountain Dew (either diet or regular) with 91 mg/20 oz. Johnson EC, Bardis CN, Jansen LT, Adams JD, Kirkland TW, Kavouras SA. Adv Nutr. Imamura, F., OConnor, L., Ye, Z., Mursu, J., Hayashino, Y., Bhupathiraju, S. N., & Forouhi, N. G. (2015, July 21). This is from an admitted diet dew addict! Mountain Dew's Major Melon in regular and zero sugar beverages is available in 20-ounce bottles, 2-liter bottles, 12-packs of 12 oz. In determining safety, the FDA reviews data on outcomes such as reproductive health, cancer risk, and potential toxic effects to your nervous system. Water is the best drink to help lower blood pressure and control diabetes. And if you're on insulin or any sort of medication that can cause your blood sugar to drop below the ideal range, you should keep a few cans of sugary soda close at hand. This article explores the effects of diet sodas on diabetes and how to replace them with less harmful options. The claim: Mountain Dew for years included a dangerous chemical . At the same time, being dehydrated is a common side effect of diabetes. The clearest way to show cause and effect is with a randomized trial. Know the health risks. Salads are a simple and straightforward way to enjoy hydrating foods, as are grain bowls and stir-fries topped with radishes, cucumbers, carrots, and other fresh vegetables. Theres a rounder flavor to the original Diet Dew, with Zero Sugar once again being a bit more acidic. Mountain Dew Zero contains caffeine, so its important to drink it in moderation. I drink lots of coffee with Truvia and diet soda's all day. More studies are needed to clarify this, but it does raise a red flag given that gut dysbiosis is tied to higher levels of inflammation and metabolic disturbances that may increase the risk of health concerns, like heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. So, while these additives are considered safe from this point of view, questions remain about whether they raise the risk of other problems and whether theyre helpful. I tried the Zero calorie this morning. Another study posted in Diabetes Care found that people who drink 1 or 2 sugar-sweetened drinks every day have a risk of developing type 2 diabetes that is 26 percent higher than those who do not. Wait, whats going on here? Yes, but keep in mind several tips to ensure you enjoy that drink safely. One 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains 54 grams of sugar which is equivalent to about 13 teaspoons. So it doesnt matter if you believe us, my scale is the only voice that matters, and it praises what Im doing. A more immediate unpleasant effect of consuming sugar alcohols a type of low-calorie sugar substitute is gas, bloating and diarrhea. (2010, June). A study out of Macquarie University showed that sugar and caffeine when combined and fed to rats produced lasting changes to brain chemistry. Both regular and diet soda are dietary waste. It will help you to know more about avoiding dehydration while choosing drinks that keep your blood sugar levels stable and your diabetes well managed. When it comes to caffeine, moderation is key. With it being sugar free, it shouldn't, but the only way you will know for sure is to test. 6. I don't think anyone really knows the long term side effects of the stuff. Researchers found that women and people with obesity were more vulnerable to the appetite-stimulating and cravings-enhancing effects of sugar substitutes. You can follow Samantha's practical balanced eating advice on Instagram at@nutritionistsam. BMJ. Caffeine is known to increase metabolism, but this effect is very short-lived and can lead to a crash in energy levels and an increase in cravings for sugary and fatty foods. Mountain Dew has the same amount of caffeine as Coca-Cola or Pepsi and has vitamins B and . Additionally, when it is very hot or you are exercising, you may need more fluid. It is a . We looked at several assorted brands of sodas and found that Mountain Dew Zero Sugar contains the most caffeine. Does Powerade Zero Raise Blood Sugar Diabetes . By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Doing so can help you feel better and stay healthier in the long run. The perfect tummy control bodysuit, a popcorn gadget, more bestsellers starting at $8. Nutrients. Not everyone has to, I am just one of the lucky ones. The sugar in Mountain Dew is primarily high-fructose corn syrup, a processed and cheaper alternative to sugar. Replaced Diet Code Red in 2022. I think it even has a lowering affect for me. Many no-sugar drinks contain sugar substitutes that contribute to health problems and drive up body weight regardless of sugar content. Pepsi, Mountain Dew, cranberry juice cocktail, and hundreds of other sugar-sweetened beverages may be heaven on the taste buds, but drinking them daily doesn't do your body any favors. Mountain Dew Zero is an appealing drink with its low sugar content, but it is not without risks. Learn more here. Although the specific reason is unknown, caffeine is thought to negatively affect a person's fertility. 2016;6. doi:10.3389/fphar.2015.00323. I am a fan of the Zero product and hope they keep it around. They are saccharin, acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, and sucralose. Otherwise, you'll need to eat raw foods to get the most benefit. Erythritol, a zero-calorie sugar substitute found in Truvia, keto foods, might raise risk of stroke, death Cleveland Clinic researcher, other experts will stay away from it after he found that . unfortunatley that is no longer the case. In fact, an Australian study of sugared beverage consumption found that fruit juices were the most common type, but 12.3% of them were sports and energy drinks (compared with artificially sweetened sodas at 18.1%.). Theres also the potential that sugar substitutes unfavorably influence your gut microbes. Advertisement. Its important to keep track of how much youre consuming, and be sure to not exceed the recommended daily amount of caffeine. Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, is a registered dietitian-nutritionist and media spokesperson. The results of the study . Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? The recommended daily fluid intake varies for different groups. Be sure to note if you frequently have other symptoms of dehydration, such as: Tell your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms along with excessive thirst. Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium chloride, and sulfate. Reduced water intake deteriorates glucose regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mountain Dew is a citrus flavored soft drink created by PepsiCo in 1940. From my point of view five is close enough to zero that I pretty much ignore it. I found that walmart brand Great Value, lemon/lime diet soda and the ginger ale are good. Any damn thing you want to eat or drink on keto is keto approved so long as it doesn't cause you to go over 20g net carbs per day. 2 yr. ago. IE 11 is not supported. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Long-term diet soda consumption and here's where artificial sweeteners in particular come in may affect your overall heart health, according to a research review published in July 2017 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal .This review, which included seven studies with over 1,000 participants, found that those who consumed artificial sweeteners had higher rates of obesity, high . I am a 2-3 bottle a day Diet Dew drinker. A., Michos, E. D., Jacobs, D. R. (2009, April). Small amounts of caffeine can also help the body to process sugar and control weight. This amount is equal to nearly two-thirds the recommended daily amount of . Bian, X., Chi, L., Gao, B., Tu, P., Ru, H., Lu, K. (2017, June 8). Sports drinks don't necessarily cause cancer, though researchers warn against overconsumption of sports drinks because they contain excess sugar and carbohydrates. The BPA toxin in Mountain Dew can also cause obesity, too! It doesn't raise blood sugar. high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. Too much of it is not good. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. If a person has diabetes, it is important to avoid drinks that contain excessive sugar, as they cause spikes in blood glucose. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Mountain Dew is a high-sugar, caffeinated beverage that can also have some fruit flavors added in. Opt for healthier beverage options that are lower in added sugars and artificial sweeteners. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers all of these sweeteners safe when consumed in acceptable amounts. The reality is that most Americans consume too much added sugar, and sodas and other sugary drinks are the leading sources of added sugars in our diets. In the study, researchers found a significant link between diet soda and the development of high blood sugar levels and belly fat, two factors of metabolic syndrome. rez-art/Getty Images. Wildly familiar, yet completely unexpected. Be sure to monitor your consumption and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.