Sugar-replacement Sweeteners, and Blood Sugar Control

Regulation of Incretin Release by Non-nutritive Sweeteners in Humans

Several sugar-replacement sweeteners are currently on the market, including saccharine (ex. Sweet'N Low), aspartame (ex. Equal), and sucralose (ex. Splenda). The purpose of this study is to examine wether non caloric sweeteners affects how well the body works to control blood sugar. The study includes detailed blood sugar testing after drinking liquids that may contain sucralose. The investigators hypothesize that drinking liquids with sucralose will effect the amounts of specific appetite-affecting substances naturally produced by the body.

Inclusion Criteria:

• body mass index (BMI) over 30.
• Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) < or = 2.6

Exclusion Criteria:

• smoking or smoked within last six months
• pregnant or breastfeeding
• have malabsorptive syndromes
• intestinal inflammatory disease
• diabetes
• liver or kidney disease
• fructose intolerance
• consuming more than one can of diet beverage or one spoonful of non-nutritive sweeteners (e.g. sucralose, aspartame, or saccharine) a week.
• taking any medication that might affect metabolism or taste.