According to a new study released from the University of Toronto, artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin can actually cause diabetes rather than prevent it. The argument in favor of such sugar substitutes was the assumption that they could not be broken down (digested), and therefore could not cause diabetes like regular sugar.
The “non-digestibility” of artificial sweeteners may not be true after all. While our own digestive enzymes may not be able to break down artificial sweeteners, our gut bacteria can. This in turn alters the gut bacteria in such a way as to raise blood sugar and lead to diabetes. The present study demonstrated that those who consume artificial sweeteners have worse glucose management than those who don’t use sugar substitutes.
Comment: Healthier and safer alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners are organic stevia and organic yakon syrup.
