Reducing Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetes in Pregnancy

This trial explores how consuming artificial sweeteners during pregnancy and breastfeeding might affect a baby's weight and health. It seeks to determine if reducing these sweeteners can improve a baby's body composition and the mother's blood sugar levels. Participants will be divided into groups: some will maintain their usual intake, while others will reduce or eliminate it during pregnancy, lactation, or both. This approach is known as the NNS Restriction Intervention (Non-nutritive Sweetener Restriction). Pregnant women who consume at least seven servings of artificially sweetened beverages a week and plan to breastfeed might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to important research that could enhance health guidelines for mothers and babies.

The trial excludes participants who are taking medications that affect body weight, body composition, insulin resistance, or lipid profiles, so you may need to stop such medications to participate.

Research shows that the effects of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), such as Splenda and Stevia, on pregnancy are not fully understood. Some studies suggest a link between these sweeteners and risks like early birth and gestational diabetes, though not all research agrees.

There is limited evidence on the safety or side effects of reducing NNS. No major reports have specifically linked problems to reducing NNS intake during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Since the trial does not involve a new drug or medical procedure, safety concerns remain generally low. Participants will simply be asked to limit their use of certain sweeteners.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it's exploring a fresh approach to managing diabetes during pregnancy by focusing on reducing artificial sweeteners, known as non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS). Unlike traditional methods that focus on insulin regulation and dietary adjustments, this trial looks at the potential impact of NNS restriction on pregnancy and lactation. The trial has three different approaches: one group continues their usual NNS consumption, another restricts NNS during lactation, and the third restricts NNS during both pregnancy and lactation. This investigation could provide new insights into how NNS affects maternal and infant health, potentially leading to more comprehensive dietary guidelines for pregnant individuals with diabetes.

Past studies have linked artificial sweeteners during pregnancy to certain health risks. Research shows these sweeteners can disrupt gut bacteria balance, potentially affecting blood sugar levels. Some studies have found a connection between artificial sweeteners and a higher risk of gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Evidence also suggests that using these sweeteners while pregnant could increase the chances of preterm birth. This trial will evaluate the effects of reducing artificial sweeteners, with one group continuing their usual consumption, another group restricting intake during lactation, and a third group restricting intake during both pregnancy and lactation. Limiting these sweeteners might help lower these risks for both mothers and their babies.⁴⁶⁷⁸⁹