Aspartame in Artificial Sweeteners and Glucose Intolerance

A lot of people use artificial sweeteners on a daily basis, especially if they have diabetes. Well, maybe it’s time to learn more about artificial sweeteners that are so commonly used nowadays. "Drinks and foods which use artificial sweeteners are a good option. An option which might help curb the cravings for sweet food in case someone has diabetes." - This is an incorrect message which many public health organizations spread. The message is that artificial sweeteners actually are a sensible alternative to sugar for those with diabetes, despite the contrary results of many studies. Intrigued? Read on, to find out more.

Study on This Topic

A small study at the University of Adelaide in Australia showed that artificial sweeteners impair the response of the body to glucose, lowering the control of blood glucose levels. In this study, 27 participants got a placebo, capsules of Splenda, and acesulfame K in an amount equal to 1.5 L of drinks per day. For 2 weeks the group who took artificial sweeteners had unfavorable effects on their blood glucose levels. Effects such as a reduction in numbers in the GLP-1 gut peptide that limits the rise in the blood glucose after having meals. Richard Young, the lead author of the study, said that this study shows the potential for excessive post-meal sugar levels in elevated habitual noncaloric artificial sweeteners users. This might predispose them to develop type 2 diabetes. The critics say that this study is not enough to conclude that the changes might cause high blood glucose levels.

Artificial Sweeteners and Glucose Intolerance

According to another study, daily consumption of diet soda which is sweetened with aspartame may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 67%. Moreover, it can also increase the risk of obtaining metabolic syndrome by 36 %. The journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism published a study on this topic. According to this study, artificial sweeteners might increase the risk of larger size. Risk in metabolic syndrome and bigger size and other problems related to type 2 diabetes. According to another research, the intake of aspartame is linked to greater intolerance of sugar in bigger people. This means that big people who use aspartame might have higher blood glucose levels. That, in turn, might raise the insulin levels and lead to an increased risk of diabetes, inflammation, and bigger size.

The Smart Thing to Do

Although the public health agencies have a different opinion on artificial sweeteners, science says otherwise. That's why maybe the smartest thing to do would be to remove them from our nutrition. Bear in mind that artificial sweeteners are found in low-calorie foods. Foods and drinks such as diet sodas, salad dressings, ice cream, yogurt, and bread. An acceptable replacement is Stevia. However, we can drink water with added lime or lemon juice because the sour taste might help lower the cravings. Also, we can drink organic black coffee and eat fermented vegetables.