Impact of artificial sweeteners on glucose metabolism in type 1 diabetes patients

A Randomized Cross-Over Study to Investigate the Effect of the Non-Nutritive Sweetener Sucralose on Glucose Metabolism in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Observational McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT06315725

This study is testing how drinking flavored beverages with or without artificial sweeteners affects insulin release and glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes using an artificial pancreas.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT06315725 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how consuming carbohydrates with or without non-nutritive sweeteners affects insulin release in patients with type 1 diabetes using an artificial pancreas system. Participants will consume four different flavored beverages in a randomized order, some with sweet taste blockade and some without, while their glucose and insulin levels are monitored. The study aims to understand the role of sweet taste receptor signaling in glucose metabolism. A pilot study will first assess the effectiveness of sweet taste blockade in healthy individuals to inform the main study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-45 with type 1 diabetes, using insulin pump therapy, and with an HbA1C of 8% or lower.

Not a fit: Patients with major medical diagnoses affecting metabolism, eating disorders, or those with taste dysfunction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved dietary recommendations for managing glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies exploring the effects of sweeteners on glucose metabolism have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants with a diagnosis of T1D
* HbA1C ≤ 8 %
* Insulin pump therapy
* Adults of any gender or biological sex aged 18-45 years old,
* Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5-29.9 kg/m,
* Non-smokers,
* English or French speaker. ●. Who can consume chicken and fish

Exclusion Criteria:

* A major medical diagnosis that could potentially influence metabolic dysfunction
* A major medical diagnosis other than T1D,
* Alcohol or substance use disorder,
* Eating disorder or history of malabsorptive syndrome,
* Inflammatory bowel disease,
* Self-reported impairment in taste or smell,
* A known taste or smell dysfunction (e.g., anosmia),
* Active pregnancy and/or lactation,
* Food allergies or intolerances,
* Dislike of the test beverages,
* History of bariatric surgery at any point in the past ●. Regular consumer of Gymnema sylvestre

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Type 1 DiabetesHealthy SubjectsArtificial PancreasArtificial SweetenersNon-Nutritive SweetenersCross-OverTaste PerceptionIndirect Calorimetry
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.