Substituting Diet Beverages with Water Improves Long-Term Diabetes Management

Replacing diet beverages with water leads to greater weight loss and higher rates of remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adult women with overweight or obesity and T2D, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association, held last month in Chicago. The study abstract was published in the journal Diabetes.

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the impact of substituting diet beverages with water on long-term weight loss and remission of T2D in overweight or obese women. Conducted over 18 months, the study included a 6-month weight loss phase followed by a 12-month weight maintenance period. A total of 81 adult women with T2D who frequently consumed diet beverages were randomized into two groups: one group replaced their diet beverages intake with water after lunch five times per week, while the other continued with the consumption of diet beverages.

Results showed significantly greater weight loss in the water group (-6.82 kg) compared to the diet beverages group (-4.85 kg) (P<0.001). Of note, 90% of participants in the water group achieved diabetes remission, compared to 45% in the diet beverage group (P<0.0001). Replacing diet beverages with water also led to significant improvements in several metabolic indicators: Body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), 2-hour postprandial glucose, and serum triglycerides over the 18 months of the study.

Diet beverages are generally perceived as safe alternatives to sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly by those aiming to cut down their calorie intake and control blood glucose levels. Debunking this myth, this study suggests that substituting diet beverages with water, particularly after main meals, may lead to more lasting weight loss and better glycemic control in women with T2D compared to diet beverages. “Our study highlights the importance of promoting water, not just low-calorie alternatives, as part of effective diabetes and weight management”, write the authors. This simple swap may benefit long-term diabetes management and lifestyle intervention strategies.