Switching from Diet Sodas to Water Linked to Higher Diabetes Remission Rates

In a groundbreaking study presented at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association held from June 20 to 23, 2025, researchers revealed that substituting water for diet sodas significantly contributes to weight loss and increases the likelihood of diabetes remission among women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity or overweight. The study, conducted by Dr. Hamid R. Farshchi, MD, PhD, CEO of D2Type and former associate professor at the University of Nottingham, involved 81 adult women who participated in a structured weight-management program.

The participants were randomly assigned to either replace their intake of diet beverages with water or to maintain their usual consumption of five diet drinks per week. Over the course of 18 months, the water group experienced an average weight loss of -6.82 ± 2.73 kg compared to the diet beverage group’s -4.85 ± 2.07 kg (P < .001). Notably, 90% of women in the water group achieved diabetes remission, while only 45% of those continuing with diet beverages reached the same milestone (P < .0001).

The study’s findings challenge the prevailing belief in the United States that diet sodas, which are calorie-free, do not adversely affect weight and blood sugar management. According to Dr. Farshchi, 'These findings highlight the importance of promoting water, not just low-calorie alternatives, as part of effective diabetes and weight management strategies. This small dietary change can have a significant impact on long-term health outcomes.' The research demonstrated significant improvements in various health metrics for the water group, including body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose levels, postprandial glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and insulin resistance.

The implications of this research are substantial, particularly given the rising rates of obesity and diabetes globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980, largely due to increases in overweight and obesity. This study adds to the body of evidence suggesting that simple dietary modifications can lead to significant health benefits.

Critics of the study, however, have raised concerns regarding the limited sample size and the absence of a long-term follow-up period to assess the sustainability of these results. As noted by Dr. Alice Thompson, a nutrition expert from the University of California, Berkeley, 'While the findings are promising, we need more extensive studies to confirm these results across diverse populations and over longer durations.' Nonetheless, the study adds to a growing body of literature advocating for water consumption as a healthier alternative to diet sodas, which may counteract the psychological belief that calorie-free beverages are benign.

As the healthcare community continues to combat the growing diabetes epidemic, this research underscores the importance of revisiting dietary recommendations. Promoting water over diet sodas could not only aid weight loss but also significantly improve health outcomes for individuals managing type 2 diabetes. Future research should focus on larger populations and explore the mechanisms behind these changes to inform public health guidelines effectively.