Aspartame-Acesulfame K-containing Low-Energy Erythritol Sweetener Markedly Suppresses Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Mild and Borderline Diabetics

Abstract

In diabetic patients, compliance to diet therapy has been an ongoing concern. We thus examined the effects of an aspartame-and acesulfame K-containing sweetener (PZ) on postprandial hyperglycemia in mild and borderline diabetics. In two sets of crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind tests, subjects with mild or borderline diabetes were challenged with meals consisting of white rice, and two side dishes flavored with PZ (PZ meal) or sugar (Control meal); or with sweets flavored with PZ (PZ sweets) or sugar (Control sweets). The use of PZ (PZ meal and PZ sweets) significantly reduced postprandial levels, particularly at 1 h, of blood glucose and insulin when compared to sugar (Control meal and Control sweets). The results demonstrated that PZ as a sugar substitute enabled the suppression of postprandial hyperglycemia in mild or borderline diabetics without compromising palatability, sweetness or patient QOL.