New Research Demonstrates Significant Benefits of Simple Dietary Switch for Blood Glucose Control and Long-Term Weight Management
CHICAGO, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consistently replacing diet beverages with water in women with type 2 diabetes may contribute to greater weight loss and increases the likelihood of long-term diabetes remission. The results were presented as a general poster at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) in Chicago.
Everyday, approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population consumes a diet drink. Regular consumption of diet beverages has been linked to a range of potential health risks, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Although diet sodas are calorie-free, some research has indicated they may impact the body differently than water consumption.
In an 18-month study, researchers evaluated the impact of substituting diet beverages with water among adult women with type 2 diabetes and obesity or overweight. A total of 81 participants in a weight management program who regularly consumed diet beverages were randomly assigned to either replace them with water or continue their usual intake of five times per week after lunch. All participants first completed a six-month weight loss program, followed by a 12-month weight maintenance program.
Results showed significant improvements in weight loss and type 2 diabetes in the water group. At the end of the study, the water group experienced a significantly greater average weight loss compared to the diet beverage group (-6.82 ± 2.73 kg vs. -4.85 ± 2.07 kg, P