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| SHORT COMMUNICATION |
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| Year : 2023 | Volume
: 11
| Issue : 3 | Page : 207-208 |
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Decoding the artificial sweeteners and diabetes connection
Raja Danasekaran
Department of Community Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| Date of Submission | 13-Mar-2023 |
| Date of Decision | 29-Apr-2023 |
| Date of Acceptance | 27-May-2023 |
| Date of Web Publication | 05-Jul-2023 |
Correspondence Address:
Raja Danasekaran
Department of Community Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam - 603 103, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/mjhs.mjhs_36_23
Artificial sweeteners are widely used as a substitute for sugar due to their low-calorie content. They are deemed safe for consumption by regulatory bodies and can be useful in controlling blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss when consumed in moderation. However, there is still some debate about their efficacy for diabetes control, and consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on blood sugar control and weight management. This article provides an overview of the role of artificial sweeteners in diabetes management, highlighting the benefits and potential risks of their use.
Keywords: Artificial sweeteners, diabetes, health care
How to cite this article:
Danasekaran R. Decoding the artificial sweeteners and diabetes connection. MRIMS J Health Sci 2023;11:207-8 |
| Introduction | |  |
Artificial sweeteners are a popular alternative to traditional sugar, and they are often marketed as a healthy option for people with diabetes. However, there is some debate about whether artificial sweeteners are a good choice for diabetes control. In this article, we will explore the relationship between artificial sweeteners and diabetes control.
| What are Artificial Sweeteners? | | |
Artificial sweeteners are nonnutritive sweeteners that provide sweetness without the calories. They are often used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages. Some of the most commonly used artificial sweeteners include aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and stevia. Artificial sweeteners are often marketed as a healthier option for people with diabetes because they do not raise blood sugar levels. They are also considered safe for consumption by the US Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory bodies around the world.
| Are Artificial Sweeteners Safe? | | |
The safety of artificial sweeteners has been a topic of debate for many years. Some studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners may be linked to health problems such as cancer, weight gain, and metabolic disorders. However, the majority of research on artificial sweeteners has found them to be safe for consumption. A review of 37 studies on artificial sweeteners found no evidence of a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer or other health problems.[1] Another study found that people who consumed artificial sweeteners had similar health outcomes as those who consumed sugar.[2]
Overall, the current scientific consensus is that artificial sweeteners are safe for consumption. However, as with any food or beverage, it is important to consume artificial sweeteners in moderation.
| Artificial Sweeteners and Blood Sugar Control | | |
One of the main reasons that people with diabetes turn to artificial sweeteners is to help control blood sugar levels. Artificial sweeteners do not raise blood sugar levels, which can make them a good option for people with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels. One study found that consuming artificial sweeteners can help reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.[3] Another study found that using artificial sweeteners in place of sugar can help improve insulin sensitivity (P = 0.01) and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.[4] However, some studies have suggested that consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on blood sugar control. One study found that consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners can lead to glucose intolerance (P < 0.05) and other metabolic disorders.[5]
Overall, it appears that artificial sweeteners can be a helpful tool for people with diabetes who need to control their blood sugar levels. However, it is important to consume them in moderation to avoid any potential negative effects on blood sugar control.
| Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Management | | |
Another reason that people with diabetes often turn to artificial sweeteners is to help manage their weight. Traditional sugar is high in calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Artificial sweeteners, on the other hand, are calorie-free, which can make them a good option for people who are trying to lose weight. Several studies have suggested that using artificial sweeteners in place of sugar can help reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss.[6],[7] One study found that replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners can lead to significant weight loss in people with obesity (P < 0.001).[8]
However, some studies have suggested that consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners may actually lead to weight gain. One study found that consuming artificial sweeteners can disrupt the body's ability to regulate calorie intake, leading to weight gain.[9] Overall, it appears that using artificial sweeteners in moderation can be a helpful tool for weight management. However, consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on weight control.
| Conclusion | | |
Artificial sweeteners are a popular alternative to traditional sugar, and they are often marketed as a healthy option for people with diabetes. While artificial sweeteners have been deemed safe for consumption by regulatory bodies, there is still some debate about their efficacy for diabetes control. Research has suggested that artificial sweeteners can be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss when consumed in moderation. However, consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on blood sugar control and weight management.
It is important for people with diabetes to consult with their health-care provider before incorporating artificial sweeteners into their diet. Health-care providers can provide personalized guidance on the use of artificial sweeteners based on an individual's unique health needs and goals. In addition, it is important to remember that artificial sweeteners are just one tool for diabetes control and weight management. A healthy diet and regular physical activity are also important components of managing diabetes and maintaining a healthy weight.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
| References | | |
| 1. | Magnuson BA, Roberts A, Nestmann ER. Critical review of the current literature on the safety of sucralose. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2017; 106: 324-55.  |
| 2. | Ludwig DS. Artificial sweeteners – Reply. JAMA 2014;311:974. |
| 3. | Brown RJ, Rother KI. Non-nutritive sweeteners and their role in the gastrointestinal tract. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2012;97:2597-605. |
| 4. | Pepino MY, Tiemann CD, Patterson BW, Wice BM, Klein S. Sucralose affects glycemic and hormonal responses to an oral glucose load. Diabetes Care 2013;36:2530-5. |
| 5. | Suez J, Korem T, Zeevi D, Zilberman-Schapira G, Thaiss CA, Maza O, et al. Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota. Nature 2014;514:181-6. |
| 6. | Tate DF, Turner-McGrievy G, Lyons E, Stevens J, Erickson K, Polzien K, et al. Replacing caloric beverages with water or diet beverages for weight loss in adults: Main results of the choose healthy options consciously everyday (CHOICE) randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;95:555-63. |
| 7. | Peters JC, Beck J, Cardel M, Wyatt HR, Foster GD, Pan Z, et al. The effects of water and non-nutritive sweetened beverages on weight loss and weight maintenance: A randomized clinical trial. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2016;24:297-304. |
| 8. | Laviada-Molina H, Molina-Segui F, Rodriguez-Velasco FJ, Garcia-Manzanares A, Gonzalez-Muniesa P. Artificial sweeteners: A systematic review and primer for gastroenterologists. Digestion 2019;100:49-57. |
| 9. | Swithers SE. Artificial sweeteners produce the counterintuitive effect of inducing metabolic derangements. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2013;24:431-41. |
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