Blood glucose and insulin response to artificially- and sugar-sweetened sodas in healthy men

Richard J Bloomer,Ryan G Moran,Shelby A Peel,John J Macdonnchadh

doi:10.15761/ifnm.1000141

Abstract

Artificial sweeteners are commonplace in foods and beverages; perhaps most notably in diet sodas. Some epidemiology data indicate a higher rate of insulin resistance in those who regularly consume artificially-sweetened sodas, possibly due to an insulinogenic response to beverage consumption, despite the lack of calories. The possibility of an acute insulin spike with artificial sweetener consumption is a common topic of discussion in the lay press but scientific evidence is lacking. We compared the glucose and insulin response to acute ingestion of two different artificially sweetened sodas (containing sucralose or aspartame), compared to “regular” sugar-sweetened soda, and carbonated water in 12 healthy men. Blood samples collected before and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes following ingestion of the beverages were analyzed for glucose and insulin. Both glucose (30 min) and insulin (30 and 60 min) were elevated significantly above baseline following intake of the regular soda; however, values remained very stable for all other conditions across time (p>0.05). Artificially sweetened sodas containing sucralose or aspartame do not result in any acute elevation in blood sugar or insulin following a 20 ounce load. There is no reason to suspect that a higher consumption would result in an elevation in these measures. Any noted insulin resistance linked to high intake of artificial sweeteners is likely a function of the excess calories and processed ingredients often included within artificially-sweetened food and beverage products.

Highlights

While sugar-sweetened beverage consumption has fallen somewhat in recent years [1], it remains relatively high [2,3,4]
It was suspected that the subject ate prior to reporting to the lab and this caused his baseline values for glucose and insulin to be elevated
Consumption of 20 ounces of artificiallysweetened sodas containing sucralose or aspartame does not result in any acute elevation in blood sugar or insulin during a two-hour postprandial period

Summary

Introduction

While sugar-sweetened beverage consumption has fallen somewhat in recent years [1], it remains relatively high [2,3,4]. During this time, we have seen the rise in the use of artificial, no-calorie sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose (Splenda®) within beverages, due in part to consumer interest in reducing the caloric load. Fagherazzi and colleagues noted an increased risk of type II diabetes with intake of artificially-sweetened beverages [14]. The mixed results, coupled with increased consumer interest in the consumption of artificially-sweetened beverages, warrant further investigation

Methods

Results

Conclusion