Researchers from Adelaide University are seeking people living with type 2 diabetes to help determine the effect of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) on glucose levels.

Low-calorie sweeteners are often recommended as an alternative to sugary drinks to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. However, recent research has suggested that regular consumption of low-calorie sweeteners may actually increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. This research study hopes to investigate whether consumption of LCS affects blood glucose control and the amount of glucose excreted in the urine.

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

Who can take part?

You may be eligible to participate if you:

Have type 2 diabetes (managed with no more than 2 current diabetes medications, no SGLT 2 inhibitors and no injectables)
Are aged 18 to 79 years old
Have a BMI between 20 - 40 kg/m². You can calculate your BMI here.
Are willing to travel to North Terrace, Adelaide for 2 study visits
Consume less than 2 low-calorie sweeteners per day

Check my eligibility

If you don't have diabetes but meet the rest of the criteria and have a BMI between 18 - 30kg/m², you may be eligible to participate as a control. Learn more and check if you're eligible as a control participant here.

Why should I take part?

You will be contributing to important research that may help people with diabetes in the future
Participants will be reimbursed up to $300 upon completion of the study

What does the study involve?

If you choose to participate you will need to attend a screening visit and two further study visits. The screening takes up to 45 minutes which includes:

Full explanation of study requirements
Seeking your formal consent
A review of your medical history

An autonomic nerve function test
A blood test
Answers to any questions you may have

Eligible people will then be asked to take study capsules for two weeks which will contain Ace-K (the most widely used LCS), sucralose (a "sweet" control) or cellulose (a non-flavouring control). You will not know which capsules you have been given.

Before you start taking the study capsules, and on the last day of taking them, you'll attend a study visit in the Adelaide Heath and Medical Sciences Building on North Terrace, Adelaide. At these visits, you will be given lots of water to drink while we sample your blood glucose levels through a blood line and urine tests. Once finished, you'll be given a substantial meal to stabilise your blood sugar levels following the procedures. Prior to the two study visits, you'll be asked to complete a 3-day diet diary, collect a stool samples and consume a standardised study meal the night before.

You'll be required to fast before visiting the facility at around 8am, and we'll ensure your blood sugar levels are safe before your departure at around 1-2pm.

Are you interested in taking part?

Check your eligibility

This study is being conducted by Adelaide University

SAHMRI is located on Kaurna Country. We pay respects to the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to embracing knowledge and culture as we continue our working journey to incorporate Aboriginal health research across all of our themes and further reconciliation.

"Tirki nguta tappa tangka marninithi"

(Learning and knowledge are the pathway to alter the mind)

- Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien, Kaurna Elder

The RESOURCE Study - Type 2 diabetes