What is metabolic syndrome? I’ve heard that people can get it from drinking diet sparkling drinks. Is this true?

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of factors that occur together, increasing a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Experts in the field of metabolic syndrome have stated that it isn't logical to make the link between low and no calorie sparkling drinks and metabolic syndrome, as diet drinks such as Diet Coke and Coke Zero do not contain calories.