Non-Nutritive Sweetener Consumption (Aspartame and Sucralose) and Glucose Homeostasis in Older Adults With Prediabetes

What this Trial Is About

Observational and animal studies suggest that certain non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), like sucralose and aspartame, may affect blood sugar control, especially in middle-aged and older adults with prediabetes. This research aims to understand how these sweeteners impact glucose regulation and to explore possible inflammatory mechanisms involved. The study focuses on establishing proof-of-concept for changes in glucose homeostasis after consuming sucralose compared to aspartame and a no-sweetener diet in adults aged 40 and over with prediabetes. After a 2-week diet to stabilize eating habits, 30 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for six weeks: a sucralose group, an aspartame group, or a control group with no NNS. All groups will follow diets matched in macronutrients and calories to avoid weight changes. The sweetener doses are set at 25% of acceptable daily intake levels for a 60 kg adult. The controlled feeding study ensures all participants consume the provided foods and sweeteners as assigned. Participants will be monitored using continuous glucose monitors to track 24-hour blood sugar control, and oral glucose tolerance tests will assess insulin sensitivity and beta cell function before and after the 6-week treatment. Inflammatory markers such as serum endotoxin, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 will also be measured. The study will last about eight weeks including the lead-in diet, and safety and adherence will be closely observed throughout.

Non-Nutritive Sweetener Consumption and Glucose Homeostasis in Older Adults With Prediabetes