Low-calorie sweeteners and glucose control in diabetes

Can gut sweet sensing help or hinder control of blood glucose for people with type 2 diabetes?

We've discovered that high habitual intake of low-calorie sweeteners can worsen control of blood glucose in healthy people. People with type 2 diabetes may be at even higher risk due to changes in how they sense sweet in their gut and their tendency to be high consumers of low-calorie sweeteners.

We are conducting a series of research studies that aim to investigate the impact of low-calorie sweeteners on blood sugar levels, and whether sugar uptake in the gut can be targeted in new ways to better control blood sugar.

These studies involve clinical research in the Royal Adelaide Hospital, The University of Adelaide and laboratory experiments in SAHMRI to discover new ways to treat diabetes.

Who can take part?

You may be eligible to take part in this study if you:

• Have type 2 diabetes (diabetes must be managed by diet or metformin medication only)
• Are aged 25 to 75 years old
• Have a BMI between 20 - 35 kg/m²

• Are willing to travel to North Terrace, Adelaide to participate in the study

If you choose to participate you will need to attend a 30 minute screening visit and if eligible, two further study visits. At the screening visit you will be asked about your lifestyle, diabetes and gut symptoms and have a blood sample taken.

Eligible people will then attend each study visit, which will involve a sugar solution being administered into your gut, with further blood collection. Each study visit will include an evening meal for you to have the night prior and lunch to enjoy on the day of your visit.

Participation in this study is voluntary, however participants will be reimbursed up to $300 for completing all three study visits.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email sweetener@adelaide.edu.au or contact the study team on 08 8128 4842.

PARTNERING INSTITUTIONS

The University of Adelaide

This project is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council