Um, despite the internet articles that say that your body secretes insulin because you taste something sweet, this is NOT the case. From the Mayo Clinic:
http://mayoclinic.com/health/artific...teners/MY00073
People with diabetes may use artificial sweeteners because they make food taste sweet without raising blood sugar levels.
Your body secretes insulin as a reaction to raised blood sugar. You may TASTE something sweet, but your blood sugars do not rise. This is why diet sodas are ok for insulin-dependent diabetics. You MAY see raised blood sugar levels if the artificial sweetners that you use contain calories, such as sorbitol or mannitol or because of the proteins/fats/flour in "sugar free" products such as cookies or cakes.
But keep in mind that if you do have diabetes, some foods containing artificial sweeteners, such as sugar-free yogurt, can still affect your blood sugar level due to other carbohydrates or proteins in the food. Some foods labeled "sugar-free" — such as sugar-free cookies and chocolates — may contain sweeteners, such as sorbitol or mannitol, which contain calories and can affect your blood sugar level. Some sugar-free products may also contain flour, which will raise blood sugar levels. Also, remember that foods containing sugar substitutes may also contain calories that may undermine your ability to lose weight and control blood sugar.
Since Diet Sodas don't have proteins/fats/flour, the artificial sweetners used have so FEW calories that they don't raise your blood sugar levels to any appreciable level. Which is why diabetics can use diet sodas as a "free food" without having to count the carbs. Unless, of course, one is drinking huge amounts every day, as the carbs add up:
http://www.endocrineweb.com/diabetes/treatment.html
I'll take the Mayo Clinic and the Endocrineweb resources over "Fitness Planet Slamming Weight Training personal blog" any day!
Kira
