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Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on the Blood Glucose Concentration

Diabetes mellitus (DM) becoming pandemic and India is toward the capital of DM. Artificial sweeteners were extensively introduced into our diet with the intention of reducing caloric intake/ weight management. Several studies investigated its benefits as well as the health issues. Aim: The present study was aimed to evaluate whether there is any change in blood sugar level after consuming artificial sweeteners. It also focused to determine artificial sweetener with less effect on blood sugar level. Materials and methods: Healthy individuals (n = 30) of 18–25 years with normal body mass index (BMI) (19–25 kg/m2) and without any preexisting diseases were selected for the study. Fasting blood specimens and 1 hour after intake of glucose and artificial sweeteners, aspartame sucralose, stevia and saccharin (equivalent to 15 g of sugar with 200 mL of water) were collected. The significance of levels of glucose was studied with student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The mean fasting blood glucose concentration of all participants was in the range of 71.71 ± 8.27 to 80.94 ± 7.30 mg%. The mean glucose level after one hr of intake of glucose was 80.42 ± 8.97 mg%, and that of artificial sweeteners ranged from 74.42 ± 8.34 to 83.19 ± 5.62. A statistically significant decrease (p <0.001) compared to the glucose intake has been observed in the difference in the glucose levels between the two samples. There was minimal increase in the blood glucose concentration after intake of the artificial sweeteners. Conclusion: There was increase in the blood glucose level after the intake of artificial sweeteners and it was less compared to the glucose consumption. There was no difference in the values among the four artificial sweeteners, saccharine, aspartame, sucralose, and stevia. Stevia, being a natural product and having less side effect as compared to other artificial sweeteners, it can be suggested for incorporating as sugar substitute in dietary products.