Effects of saccharin and acesulfame potassium on blood sugar levels in older adults with prediabetes

Saccharin and Acesulfame Potassium Consumption and Glucose Homeostasis in Older Adults with Prediabetes

NIH-funded research Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10747446

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project IDNIH-10747446 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have prediabetes or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Blacksburg, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.