A pioneering study by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has confirmed that sucralose, a popular non-nutritive sweetener, is safe for daily use among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study, the first of its kind in India, assessed the impact of replacing table sugar with sucralose in beverages like coffee and tea over a 12-week period.
The randomized controlled trial, involving 179 participants, found no adverse effects on glycemic markers such as glucose or HbA1c levels. Notably, those using sucralose experienced modest reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. The mean weight loss was 0.3 kg, with BMI decreasing by −0.1 kg/m² and waist circumference by −0.9 cm.
Amid global concerns raised by the WHO regarding non-nutritive sweeteners, this study offers reassuring data specifically for diabetic individuals. The research was funded by Zydus Wellness, which provided sucralose in various formats.In Kolkata, the market for health-conscious products is on the rise. With increasing awareness about diabetes management, the demand for safer sugar alternatives like sucralose is expected to grow, potentially boosting its market presence in the region.
