A recent study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has found that sucralose, a non-nutritive sweetener (NNS), is safe for use in small doses by adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The findings come amid global debates over the use of NNSs for weight management and diabetes control, with recent WHO guidelines raising concerns primarily for non-diabetic individuals.
This study, which is the first of its kind in India, examined the effects of sucralose as a substitute for table sugar (sucrose) in daily beverages like coffee and tea.
The randomised controlled trial (RCT) involved 179 Indian participants with T2D over a 12-week period. The research found that replacing sucrose with sucralose in daily beverages did not adversely affect glycemic markers such as glucose or HbA1c levels. Furthermore, the study observed modest improvements in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.
Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman of MDRF and lead author of the study, highlighted the relevance of the findings for the Indian population. "In India, NNSs are commonly used to replace sugars in daily beverages. This study demonstrates that sucralose can be a safe alternative for reducing calorie and sugar intake without negatively impacting glycemic control. More research is underway to further explore the safety and efficacy of sucralose," said Dr. Mohan.
The study was funded by Zydus Wellness, which provided sucralose in various formats (pellet, liquid, and powder) for the research. Zydus Wellness had no involvement in the study's conduct or data analysis.
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