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Splenda® Increases Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

sugar and spoon

Being mindful of your sugar intake is never a bad idea, especially if you are concerned about developing diabetes. But that doesn’t mean turning to artificial sweeteners — far from it.

According to a new study published in the Journal of Diabetes Care, using the artificial sweetener sucralose (brand name Splenda®) may actually be increasing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Sucralose Does Affect Glycemic Response

The new study included people who were obese and who didn’t routinely use artificially sweetened products. The study participants were divided into two groups and drank either sucralose or water before taking a glucose challenge test, a test commonly done during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes. After the first round of testing, the participants switched groups and drank either water or sucralose before taking a glucose challenge test again.

The researchers found that when the participants consumed the sucralose drink, this resulted in higher blood sugar peaks and 20 percent higher insulin levels compared with drinking water.

The amount of insulin secreted into the bloodstream is related to the amount of sugar circulating. In people who have Type 2 diabetes, enough insulin isn’t produced by the pancreas, resulting in sugar accumulating in the bloodstream.

In this new study, the increase in insulin levels may either mean the participants were able to make enough insulin in response to the glucose or it could be sign of overproducing insulin that might lead to insulin resistance. Either way, the results shows that sucralose does affect the body’s response to sugar.
Splenda® and Other Artificial Sweeteners Aren’t Worth the Risk

We’ve known that artificial sweeteners such as Splenda® can lead to a host of problems, including weight gain, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. This study is yet more evidence that they should be avoided. This isn’t always easy, as they appear in countless products, from soft drinks, yogurt, and salad dressings, to pasta sauce, baked goods, and “sugar free” candy. It really pays to read labels — that’s the only way you’ll know for sure if a product contains Splenda® or another artificial sweetener. If you crave sweetness, try natural alternatives, like stevia or SLIMTEVIAinstead.

http://myhealingkitchen.com/featured-articles/splenda-increases-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/
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