What is it about dark-coloured diet pop and artificial sweeteners that makes them dangerous for people with diabetes to drink? Is it true that the above has been linked to other illnesses such as MS? Are the diet caffeine-free dark-coloured pops safe to drink for people with diabetes?

The only difference between a majority of the dark-colored diet drinks and the clear diet drinks is the caffeine content. The dark ones (colas, root beers, etc) have more caffeine than the clear beverages (Diet Sprite, 7-UP, etc). There is no substantiated evidence that any of the artificial sweeteners that are used in diet sodas (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, acelsulfame K) are harmful to people with diabetes in moderate amounts. They certainly are easier to work into a meal plan than the regular sodas. If you consume a lot of diet sodas with caffeine (even though they are usually carb free, they still have caffeine which is a diuretic and can cause you to lose more fluids (and become dehydrated). Alternate between caffeine free beverages (clear diet sodas, sugar free Crystal Lite, etc) and other diet sodas with caffeine. Remember — there’s always water which is carb free and caffeine free!

JMS