This clinical trial investigates the short-term effects of two commonly used non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), saccharin and sucralose, on blood glucose regulation and the gut microbiota in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). While NNS are widely promoted as sugar substitutes to aid glycaemic control, emerging evidence suggests that even small doses may influence metabolic health, potentially through interactions with the gut microbial community.
The study is designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial involving 33 adults with T2DM. Each participant will receive all three interventions, saccharin, sucralose, and a placebo (calcium carbonate) in random order. Each intervention will be administered once daily in capsule form for 7 consecutive days, with a 4-week washout period between phases to minimize carryover effects.
Throughout the trial, data will be collected on anthropometry, blood-based glycaemic biomarkers, dietary intake, physical activity, and stool samples. Gut microbiota composition will be assessed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
The primary aim is to generate evidence on whether short-term exposure to NNS can affect glycaemic outcomes and gut microbial profiles in individuals with T2DM. The findings are expected to support future dietary recommendations on NNS use and improve our understanding of diet-microbiota-host interactions, particularly within Asian populations.
Male citizens of Malaysia.
Aged between 30 and 59 years.
BMI between 23-29.9 kg/m² (Overweight).
Diagnosed with diabetes for a duration between 1-10 years.
Current smoking, alcohol use, or drug abuse.
Experienced more than a 5% change in body weight within the past 3 months.
Acute illness or significant cardiovascular, psychological, neurological, renal, or endocrine diseases, apart from diabetes.
Intolerance or allergy to test products.
National University of Malaysia
Lead sponsor
Monash University Malaysia
Collaborator