Effects of saccharin and acesulfame potassium on blood sugar levels in older adults with prediabetes
Official title: Saccharin and Acesulfame Potassium Consumption and Glucose Homeostasis in Older Adults with Prediabetes
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10747446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two artificial sweeteners, saccharin and acesulfame potassium, might affect blood sugar levels in older adults with prediabetes, to help understand if they could influence diabetes risk and guide better eating choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080358-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who have been diagnosed with prediabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have prediabetes or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners, specifically saccharin and acesulfame potassium, affects glucose regulation in older adults who have prediabetes. The study aims to determine if these sweeteners influence blood sugar levels differently, particularly focusing on saccharin. Participants will be monitored while consuming these sweeteners as part of their diet, allowing researchers to observe any changes in glucose homeostasis. The findings could clarify the impact of these sweeteners on diabetes risk and inform dietary recommendations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide clearer dietary guidelines for older adults with prediabetes regarding the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners.
How similar studies have gone: While some observational studies have suggested potential risks associated with non-nutritive sweeteners, this specific investigation into saccharin and acesulfame potassium's effects on glucose homeostasis in older adults with prediabetes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hedrick, Valisa — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Hedrick, Valisa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Alzheimer’s and dementia risk in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why some older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes develop memory problems or dementia.
-
Alzheimer’s and related dementia in older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why cognitive problems occur in people 65 and older who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, using data from a long-running diabetes study to identify what drives memory and thinking decline.
-
Support for Monitoring and Remote Tracking for Prediabetes
Aimed at helping adults with prediabetes use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) through training and support from community health workers to improve self-management and prevent progression to diabetes.
-
Effects of different exercise intensities on blood vessels and metabolism in prediabetes and diabetes
This project tests how moderate and high-intensity interval exercise affects blood vessel and fat tissue function in male and female rats with prediabetes or diabetes.
-
ONWARD: Helping teens and young adults with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes get the resources they need
A study tests easy, in-clinic and post-visit resource help for teens and young adults with type 2 diabetes to address social needs that affect their health.
-
Walking in greenspace and built environments for adults with prediabetes
This study tests whether walking in parks or green spaces, compared to built environments, improves blood sugar and stress measures in adults with prediabetes.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.