Actually, thin diabetics also drink diet sodas.
I think this is a very individual decision. And you have to careful about correlational studies because they are more difficult to interpret. The heaviest people do drink the most diet beverages (possibly because they are the most likely to be dieting). And some studies suggest that sweet foods (regardless of calories or source of sweetness) increase the appetite for sweets, and possibly the calories eaten.
I have on several occasions given up artificial sweeteners and caffeine for periods ranging from 3 weeks to one year, and I noticed no difference in my overall ability to lose weight, though there are a few exceptions. In the past, several people have posted here that they have seen a difference. My theory is that i you're losing, why deprive yourself, but if you hit a plateau it might be worth experimenting.
As for the exceptions I've noticed for myself. I have noticed that sweets sometimes do make me crave sweets, and sometimes increase my appetite overall. For me, it doesn't seem to matter whether the sweetness is from table sugar, aspartame, splenda, or the natural sugar in fruit.
I haven't eliminated fruit, artificial sweeteners, or even sugar entirely from my diet, but I have made some changes in how I use them. For me, a Southbeach or Weight Watcher's Core eating style (with a little Volumetrics thrown in) works best. This means more food (by volume, not calories), fewer carbohydrates overall, and choosing whole grain carbohydrates over processed or low fiber carbs.
Personally, I avoid sweet foods (natural or artificial) for breakfast, except occasionally some berries or an orange with my eggs or oatmeal. Every once in a while I'll have a fruit plate for breakfast, and I usually regret it, because I find myself hungrier during the day.
I try to drink plain water or barely sweetened tea with meals, and use sweet foods and drinks more as desserts or in between meals (where I'm less likely to be hungry afterward or more likely to notice and avoid "the munchies" that might come with them). If I'm hungry for the sweet drink and crispy food combo, which is a weakness of mine, I make sure to choose low calorie and portion controlled options.
I think there isn't any one answer to your question. It depends on your unique body chemistry and individual habits. That's why I think a food and craving diary is a great place to start any diet, even if you don't want to keep it up for the long haul. But a couple months of journaling helps you see how you react to different times and situations (I was keeping a health and food journal I bought online that included noting the weather, and found that I have more pain and crave starchy foods really badly during cold, rainy days). I didn't need a journal to know that I am insatiably hungry (for all the wrong things) during my TOM, but my journal has shown that my new eating style has decreased PMS, pain, and cravings.
Ok, now I'm getting off topic. Anyway, to wrap up, I think it's important that you do what works for you, without depriving yourself any more than you have to.
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not good