Artificially Sweetened drinks During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Gestational Diabetes Risk
NEW YORK – Consuming five or more artificially sweetened beverages weekly during pregnancy may significantly elevate a woman’s risk of developing gestational diabetes, according to recent research. The findings, published recently by Healio, raise concerns about the widespread use of diet sodas and other sugar-free drinks by expectant mothers.
Gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, affects approximately 2-10% of pregnancies annually in the United States. it can lead to complications for both mother and baby, including increased risk of preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and future type 2 diabetes for the mother, as well as macrosomia (large birth weight) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) for the infant. This study adds to a growing body of evidence questioning the metabolic safety of artificial sweeteners, even as they remain a common dietary choice for those seeking to reduce sugar intake.
Researchers highlighted potential mechanisms by which these sweeteners could disrupt metabolic processes.”That low- or no-calorie sweeteners may interfere with glucose regulation and homeostasis,” they wrote. ”Additionally, they influence insulin secretion capacity by interacting with G-protein-coupled receptors. This response could possibly result in increased glucose absorption and decreased insulin sensitivity.”
The study authors,including Gebremichael and colleagues,cautioned that while current evidence doesn’t definitively establish a causal link between increased consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and other adverse outcomes,further inquiry is warranted. “dose not rule out the potential risk … but rather warrants a further investigation,” they underlined.
this research underscores the need for pregnant women to carefully consider their consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and discuss dietary choices with their healthcare providers. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects, the potential risks associated with these drinks suggest a cautious approach is advisable during pregnancy.
