The Claim

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) partially mediates the association between artificial sweetener intake in coffee and type 2 diabetes, accounting for approximately 29.5% of the total effect in individuals of European ancestry.

Source: Associations between artificial sweetener intake from cereals, coffee, and tea and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A genetic correlation, mediation, and mendelian randomization analysis

What the research says

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How it works
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In plain English

In people of European ancestry, the amount of artificial sweetener consumed in coffee is linked to type 2 diabetes risk, and about 29.5% of this link is explained by changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

See the scientific wording

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) partially mediates the association between artificial sweetener intake in coffee and type 2 diabetes, accounting for approximately 29.5% of the total effect in individuals of European ancestry.

Why this might work

Drinking coffee with artificial sweeteners changes the bacteria in the gut, which disrupts how the liver makes and processes good cholesterol. Lower good cholesterol means the body cannot remove excess fat from cells properly, and cells become less responsive to insulin. This causes blood sugar to rise and eventually leads to type 2 diabetes.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Associations between artificial sweetener intake from cereals, coffee, and tea and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A genetic correlation, mediation, and mendelian randomization analysis

    This study found that people who drink coffee with artificial sweeteners tend to have lower levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL), and that this lower HDL helps explain why they might be more likely to get type 2 diabetes. So yes, the sweeteners may raise diabetes risk partly by lowering HDL.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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