A groundbreaking study by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has revealed that small doses of sucralose, a non-nutritive sweetener, are safe for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and may offer marginal health benefits. The study, India’s first on the subject, explored the effects of replacing table sugar with sucralose in daily beverages such as coffee and tea.
Conducted over 12 weeks, the randomized controlled trial involved 179 Indian participants with T2D. The research found that sucralose had no adverse impact on glycemic markers such as glucose or HbA1c levels. Participants using sucralose showed slight improvements in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference compared to those consuming regular sugar. Specifically, the intervention group experienced an average weight loss of 0.3 kg, a decrease in BMI by −0.1 kg/m², and a reduction in waist circumference by −0.9 cm.
This study addresses a significant gap, as existing data on the daily use of non-nutritive sweeteners is limited. The findings come amid global debates on the safety of non-nutritive sweeteners, following recent World Health Organization (WHO) cautions. Senior Diabetologist Dr. V. Mohan of MDRF emphasized the relevance of the study for Indian dietary practices, where sucralose can be a safer alternative to sugar in daily beverages.In Kolkata, the market for health-conscious sweeteners is expanding. Consumers are increasingly seeking sugar substitutes due to rising health awareness. The study’s findings may influence local preferences, with potential growth in sucralose-based products in the Kolkata market.
