MILWAUKEE, WI (MetroSource-WSAU) – A new study on rats suggests artificial sweeteners could lead to health problems like diabetes. Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Marquette University gave the rats the artificial sweetener and sugar. The rats showed changes in their metabolism that could lead to increased risk of diabetes.
The study says there are likely similar impacts on humans; that substituting artificial sweeteners for real sugar changes the way our bodies process convert food to energy and processes fat.
The study says the human body is more efficient at processing regular sugar when used in moderation. Researchers say the processing mechanisms break down “when the system is overloaded for prolonged periods of time.” The study says when used to excess, artificial sweeteners lead to an increase in biochemicals and amino acids.
The sweeteners also appeared to contribute to obesity.
A similar study last year suggested that heavy use of diet soda increased the risk of diabetes, dementia and stroke.
The Wisconsin findings were presented last weekend at the 2018 Experimental Biology Conference in California.
