artificial sweeteners and insulin

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hello,

I have an appointment with my endocrinologist every four months, and every time I repeat some blood tests. I am due to go this month, so I did a panel of tests. Everything is normal except for my insulin, which is slightly high. My glucose (92, previous: 92, 90, 89) is normal, and my A1c (5.5, previous: 5.5, 5.4, 5.3) is normal as well. My insulin over the last four tests was about half of what is considered high, but now it has increased to roughly 10% above what is considered normal.

The only thing that changed in my diet was a slight caloric surplus because I am currently bulking. Previously, I was cutting. I also did a month of maintenance when my A1c was 5.4. Additionally, I have been drinking a lot of diet soda. About three to four days a week (Friday to Sunday), I was essentially substituting soda for water.

My question is: Could this be the reason for my slightly elevated insulin? Was it the caloric surplus? My waist measurement has not changed and is still 32 inches. One last thing, I did not get a good night’s sleep before the test and woke up multiple times during the night.

If artificial sweeteners are the culprit, I plan to redo the tests before seeing my endocrinologist. I called today, and he is on vacation for 20 days. Would three to four weeks be enough to determine whether the sweeteners are the issue?

2

I’m not sure exactly why they are testing your insulin levels, but no, I do not think artificial sweetener intake is having a significant effect on your fasted insulin levels. Weight gain would be more likely, but again, not sure this test matters. I would ask your doctor about it if you’re concerned with the level.

1 Like
3

Thank you!

I will talk to him about it at my next appointment. I did a glucose-insulin curve test one year ago, and he told me that I have some insulin resistance, which could become a problem in the distant future. He’s probably tracking my HOMA-IR to decide when I should do another glucose-insulin curve test and see how things are progressing, but I’ll ask him.

I won’t redo the tests for now. I’ll wait for the appointment and see how it goes. Thank you again for your help.

4

Yea, it’s difficult to comment on your medical care without more information. That said, I have no concerns about your health related to artificial sweetener consumption unless they were being consumed in the form of ultra-processed foods.