(P17-05-26) Acute Impact of Non-Sugar Sweeteners, Acesulfame Potassium and Saccharin, on Glucose and Insulin Response in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Prediabetes

Objectives: Non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) are widely used by middle-aged and older adults to reduce added sugars intake and diabetes risk, but the impact of individual NSS on glycemia in this population is unknown. This pilot study examined the acute effect of two commonly consumed NSS, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) and saccharin, on glucose and insulin concentrations in middle-aged/older adults with prediabetes. Based on existing research, it was hypothesized that saccharin, but not Ace-K, would impair glucose tolerance and insulin response.

Methods: Participants were non-NSS consuming adults ≥40 years with prediabetes. Using a 3-group randomized crossover design, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and every 30 minutes for 2 hours after a standardized breakfast containing Ace-K, saccharin, or control. The control condition matched the NSS conditions for energy, added sugars, and macronutrient composition, but had no NSS. NSS doses were individualized (50% of the Acceptable Daily Intake = 7.5 mg/kg body weight for both Ace-K and saccharin). Linear mixed‑effects models were used to evaluate differences between NSS conditions and control over time.

Results: Participants’ (n=14; 9F) mean age = 59±14 years. There were no significant condition or condition by time effects for glucose or insulin. Glucose response over 2 hours did not significantly differ for Ace-K vs. control (1.4 ± 3.1 mg/dL, p = 0.65), or saccharin vs control (1.7 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.61). In comparison to control, saccharin increased postprandial insulin concentrations (mean difference = 9.4 ± 4.6 µIU/mL; p = 0.04), while no differences were observed for Ace-K.

Conclusions: Ace-K and saccharin consumption did not impact acute glucose tolerance but had differential acute effects on insulin response. Specifically, saccharin increased postprandial insulin concentrations, while Ace‑K did not. This suggests that NSS may influence insulin responses in middle-aged and older adults with prediabetes, albeit differentially as NSS differ by biochemical structures and metabolizing pathways. Future research with a larger sample size and longer measurement period is needed to understand the effects of long-term exposure to NSS in this population.

Funding Sources: Supported in part by the National Institute on Aging