Some Sweeteners Inhibit Enzyme Tied to Type 2 Diabetes

Tag : Brazilian Sugar

"Depending on their origin and grade of refining, many sweetenerscontained significant amounts of antioxidants, which have thepotential to control diabetes-linked high blood pressure and heartdisease," Kalidas Shetty, of the University of MassachusettsAmherst, said in a university new release. "Several types ofsweeteners also showed an interesting potential to inhibit theaction of a key enzyme related to type 2 diabetes, which is alsothe target of drugs used to treat this condition."
The researchers analyzed a wide variety of sweeteners and foundthat date sugar and dark brown sugars contained much higher levelsof antioxidants called phenolic compounds than white sugar.Phenolic compounds are the same plant chemicals that give red wineand tea their heart-healthy benefits.
The researchers also found that certain sweeteners inhibit theactivity of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that moderates bloodglucose levels by controlling the passage of sugars from the smallintestine.
"Diabetes is characterized by a rapid rise in blood glucose levelsafter meals. Inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, which is the target ofseveral drugs used to treat diabetes, can help prevent this spike,"Shetty said.
These findings were published recently in theJournal of MedicinalFood.
"Replacing sugars in processed foods and beverages with low-calorieand noncaloric sweeteners is one long-term strategy for type 2diabetes," Shetty said. "But these results indicate that astrategic choice of dietary sweeteners, especially less refinedsugars close to the original nature of the ingredients found inwhole plants, also has potential in managing type 2 diabetes andrelated complications. This provides a strong rationale for furtheranimal and clinical studies for better diet design."
More information
The U.S. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse has more about type 2 diabetes .
SOURCE: University of Massachusetts Amherst, news release, July2008