Type II diabetic & try to avoid even the substitutes. Diet Coke/Pepsi with an occasional subway is about it. I drink a lot of soda stream carbonated water without flavoring.
Life can be lived without sugar, maple syrup, honey, or molasses. You need to take a stand though, there is no free ride regardless of the marketing promises.
After years I can now buy treats for my wife & abstain myself. It just took a long time.
Trader Joe's has a new carbonated water with lemon/ginger and nothing else, it tastes great :). It comes in cranberry/lime but I have not tried it yet.