SUGAR-FREE SWEETENERS INCREASE INSULIN RESPONSE TO CARBOHYDRATE INTAKE

Artificial sweeteners such as Splenda, Equal, and Sweet n' Low are calorie-free sweetener alternatives to sugar.  While they taste sweet to the tongue, they are not digested by the body and therefore are not a source of carbohydrates and calories.  Thus, for persons who have diabetes or who are trying to lose weight they are a useful alternative to sugar, especially in sweetened drinks which are loaded with sugar.  Still, new research suggests that sugar-free sweeteners do have some effect on our appetite, insulin levels, and metabolic patterns.  Many people find regular intake of sugar-free drinks throughout the day increases their appetite.  Indeed previous research trials have observed that both human subjects and laboratory animals take in more calories from other foods when consuming artificially sweetened drinks.   A new study provides more evidence of how artificial sweeteners drive increased appetite.  The experimental study by researchers at the University of Washington found that intake of sugar-free sweeteners increases the levels of insulin release when carbohydrates are ingested.

In the study, 17 severely obese (average BMI 42) participants were given two oral glucose tolerance tests in which participants drink a sweet drink containing 100g of carbohydrates.  Before one of the tests participants consumed water and before the other test, they consumed water sweetened with Splenda (sucralose).  Before the test and each hour after for the 5 hours the participants' blood sugar and insulin levels were recorded.  The blood sugar response was only slightly higher (about 10mg/dL higher at peak blood sugar) when participants consumed the Splenda compared to when they had the water before the test.  But, much more significantly, when the participants consumed the Splenda, there was a 20% greater insulin response to the test carbohydrates.

Artificial sweeteners react with receptors on the tongue.  It is thought that these receptors signal to the body that carbohydrates have been consumed and stimulate the release of digestive hormones that trigger insulin secretion.  Excess insulin release can have several negative effects.  When there is more insulin in the body, calories are more likely to be stored as fats.  Also, high insulin levels can later cause the blood sugar to drop too low, stimulating more intake.  High levels of insulin can also promote the development of insulin resistance in which the cells get more sluggish in taking up sugar and lowering blood sugar.  Insulin resistance means that blood sugar remains high.  As cells become increasingly insulin resistant type 2 diabetes develops.

 

What to do:  Artificial sweeteners, while not raising weight and blood sugar nearly as much as regular sugar, do have some adverse effects on the body.   For managing weight and controlling diabetes, a diet drink is a healthier alternative than a regular sweet drink, but, the best drink is always water.  When you really need something sweet, an artificially sweetened product is not a bad option but the healthiest choice is always to skip the sweet.  

Adapted from article available at:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/261179.php

Source:
Pepino MY, Tiemann CD, Patterson BW et al.  Sucralose affects glycemic and hormonal responses to an oral glucose load. Diabetes Care. Published online before print April 30, 2013, doi:10.2337/dc12-2221.  Available at http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2013/04/30/dc12-2221.abstract?sid=802a9949-c04c-4304-b31c-b78bc39f73d1