Diet soda vs. water: which is better for blood sugar?

NCT ID NCT03944616

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of California, Irvine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether drinking diet beverages (like diet soda) instead of water affects blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. 181 participants who regularly drank diet beverages were randomly assigned to keep drinking them or switch to plain water for 24 weeks. The main goal was to see changes in HbA1c, a key measure of long-term blood sugar control.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: diet beverages (artificially sweetened) and water
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that switching from diet drinks to water helps manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial, but results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be small or not clinically meaningful.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Contacts and locations

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Locations

University of California, Irvine

Irvine, California, 92697, United States
University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55454, United States

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