Increased Risk of Gestational Diabetes Linked to Artificially Sweetened Beverages During Pregnancy

Recent research from the University of Adelaide has highlighted a significant link between the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) during preconception and pregnancy and an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 3,600 women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. It found that women who drank five or more artificially sweetened beverages weekly faced a 6% higher likelihood of gestational diabetes compared to those who consumed fewer or none.

Participants' beverage intake was assessed by their consumption of 12 different drinks, including cola, diet cola, fruit juices, herbal teas, and water. The study specifically focused on three drinks containing artificial sweeteners: diet cola, other diet carbonated drinks, and non-carbonated diet cordials. The findings, published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, revealed that each additional artificially sweetened beverage increased the risk of gestational diabetes by 6%.

Further analysis showed that women with high ASB intake often presented other risk factors, such as higher pre-pregnancy BMI, current smoking, risky alcohol consumption, poorer self-reported health, and lower fruit intake. These results suggest that high ASB consumption may be part of a broader pattern of lifestyle behaviors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Experts believe that artificial sweeteners may affect hormones regulating appetite and metabolism, like ghrelin and leptin, although more research is needed to clarify these mechanisms. As women often replace sugar with low-calorie sweeteners during preconception for weight management, understanding these potential risks is crucial for guiding dietary recommendations for women planning pregnancy.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of balanced dietary habits before conception and highlights potential risks associated with consuming artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy, including the increased risk of gestational diabetes. Healthcare providers should consider these findings when advising women on nutrition and lifestyle choices during preconception and pregnancy.

For more details, see the original study: Bereket Gebremichael et al., "Preconception and pregnancy artificially sweetened beverage consumption and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes," Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2025. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-artificially-sweetened-beverage-consumption-gestational.html