Study Shows Low-Calorie Sweeteners Can Help Manage Diabetes

ATLANTA (June 10, 2013) — A new review in the summer 2013 edition ofUS Endocrinology found that low-calorie sweeteners can be used to both help prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes.

The study,”The Role of Low-calorie Sweeteners in Diabetes,” examined the role between excess weight gain and management and prevention of Type 2 diabetes from the currently available literature.   Additionally, the authors reviewed the literature to assess the potential benefits of low-calorie sweeteners in diabetes management.

The review was conducted by a team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine.

The researchers concluded that:

• Replacing added sugars with low-calorie sweeteners can reduce the rise in blood glucose levels and aid in controlling weight.
• Low-calorie sweeteners have no adverse effects on insulin and hormone levels and therefore did not affect weight gain.
• Low-calorie sweeteners can help an individual adhere to weight loss regimens.
• The use of low-calorie sweeteners can help to keep weight off over time.
• Low-calorie sweeteners can have a positive impact on dental health.
• For those people who do not have Type 2 diabetes, the use of low-calorie sweeteners can help to manage hyperglycemia.
• The authors concluded that, “low-calorie sweeteners offer a practical method for promoting a reduction in caloric intake,” and therefore can aid in weight and diabetes management.

“This review adds to the growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that low-calorie sweeteners can play an important role in the management of diabetes,“ said Haley Curtis Stevens, Ph.D., President of the Calorie Control Council, an association of manufacturers of low-calorie, sugar-free, reduced fat and “light” foods and beverages companies.   “Foods and beverages sweetened with low-calorie sweeteners offer lower calorie alternatives that can be important tools in the fight against obesity and diabetes.”

More information on the study.