Switch to Water From Diet Sodas May Boost Diabetes Remission

TOPLINE:

Regularly substituting water for diet beverages contributed to greater weight loss and was associated with a twofold increase in the diabetes remission rate among women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity or overweight.

METHODOLOGY:

• Diet sodas, despite being calorie-free, may affect the body differently from water, and their regular consumption is linked to potential health risks, including cardiovascular disease, T2D, and obesity.
• Researchers conducted an 18-month study to evaluate the effects of replacing diet beverages with water.
• The study included 81 adult women with T2D and obesity or overweight who participated in a weight-management program and regularly consumed diet beverages.
• Participants were randomly assigned to replace diet beverages with water or to maintain their usual intake of five diet drinks per week, consumed after lunch.
• All participants underwent a 6-month weight-loss program, followed by a 12-month maintenance program.

TAKEAWAY:

• Women in the water group experienced a greater average weight loss (-6.82 ± 2.73 kg) than the diet beverage group (-4.85 ± 2.07 kg; P < .001).
• Diabetes remission was achieved by 90% of participants in the water group compared with 45% of those in the diet beverage group (P < .0001).
• Significant improvements were noted in BMI, fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, insulin, triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance in the water group.

IN PRACTICE:

“These findings challenge a common belief in the US that diet drinks have no potential negative effects for managing weight and blood sugar,” Hamid R. Farshchi, MD, PhD, CEO of the digital platform D2Type, said in a press release. 

“However, with most of the women in the water group achieving diabetes remission, our study highlights the importance of promoting water, not just low-calorie alternatives, as part of effective diabetes and weight management. It’s a small change with the potential for a big impact on long-term health outcomes.”

SOURCE:

The study was led by Hamid R. Farshchi, MD, PhD, of D2Type, and former associate professor at the University of Nottingham, School of Life Sciences. It was presented as a poster on June 22, 2025, at the 85th Scientific Sessions – American Diabetes Association held at the McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago (June 20-23, 2025).

LIMITATIONS: 

No limitations were discussed in the press release.

DISCLOSURES:

No disclosures or conflict-of-interest statements were provided.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.