Effets métaboliques périphériques et centraux des édulcorants

Sweeteners are widely used in the food-processing industry. Over and above the polemic relating to their possible noxiousness, high-intensity sweeteners and polyols also are not as innocuous as was originally thought in terms of their effects on metabolism. Polyols are calorific and should be used in a reasoned manner in the obese type 2 diabetic population. High-intensity sweeteners increase the intestinal absorption of glucose and can stimulate the cephalic phase of insulin secretion. The way that they are recognized by the brain is different from that of sugars. They have no effect, either deleterious or beneficial, on glycemic balance and their use is not recommended in the diabetic population (particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes), for whom the principal means of management remain physical activity and the control of lipid intake.