New research from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, has shown that artificial sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame can increase blood sugar levels and disrupt the gut flora of people with type 2 diabetes. This is a significant finding as type 2 diabetes is a widespread disease in Western countries, often linked to an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. While type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lack of insulin, type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce or use insulin effectively. Treatment for type 2 diabetes includes avoiding sugar and other foods that raise blood sugar levels. However, this new research suggests that artificial sweeteners may also be harmful.
In a study involving mice, various sweeteners were added to their drinking water, while another group of mice received plain or sugar water. The sweeteners, which are found in diet sodas, candies, and many other foods, had an unexpected effect of raising blood sugar levels and altering the gut flora of the mice. The study was conducted over an 11-week period, and after less than half the time, the effect of the sweetener saccharin was particularly high, causing the highest increase in blood sugar levels. The experiment could not yet prove the influence of gut bacteria on this effect. However, when the mice with elevated blood sugar levels were given antibiotics, the sweeteners no longer had an effect on their metabolism.
The study was later extended to humans, with test subjects who did not normally consume sweeteners showing a significant increase in blood sugar levels after just four days. The gut flora of the subjects also changed, with Bacteroides and Clostridium species being affected. The reason why gut bacteria react to chemical sweeteners in this way is still unknown. However, the link between increasing diabetes rates and the consumption of diet sweeteners is becoming more apparent. This new research offers hope for new and effective therapies and prevention measures for type 2 diabetes.
In conclusion, people with type 2 diabetes should avoid artificial sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame, as they can increase blood sugar levels and disrupt gut flora. This new research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of artificial sweeteners on human health and the potential for new therapies and prevention measures for type 2 diabetes.
