November 13, 2014
A recent study suggests that artificial sweeteners may be doing more harm than good for persons at risk for Type 2 diabetes. When it comes to artificial sweeteners, there has been a long running debate as to whether they are helpful or might cause harm. Many dieters and diabetics purchase these zero calorie beverages and snacks to avoid weight gain and spikes in blood sugar levels, but could they be promoting the opposite?
A new study evaluating the effects of artificial sweeteners suggests they may actually lead to the development of diabetes and obesity. The study, published in the scientific journal Nature, concluded that artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame, among others, interfere with gut bacteria that could cause individuals to develop glucose intolerance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, a prime symptom in diabetes. Researchers also discovered several associations between long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners and weight gain. You can find out more about this eye-opening study and how artificial sweeteners may be negatively affecting your health in this article connecting artificial sweeteners to diabetes and obesity.
Preventing Type 2 diabetes is particularly important for older adults. As people get older, their risk for Type 2 diabetes increases dramatically, according to the American Diabetes Association. Additionally, numerous studies have shown that chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes are linked to whether an individual will develop Alzheimer’s later in life. And the disease can also lead to other chronic conditions.
At Continuum, we are committed to ensuring our patients are aware of the risk factors for diseases that disproportionally affect seniors. Because of that, we believe in providing patient education to help senior citizens better understand how the health choices they are making today can affect their quality of life in the future. This is one of the many reasons why Continuum is one of the top providers of elder care in St. Louis, Missouri. Contact us today to find out more about the Missouri home health care services that we offer.