November 14, 2014 by Dean Bellefeuille

Sweeteners

Type 2 diabetes affects one in four Americans who are 65 or older, according to an article in Everyday Health. At Home Independent Living in Syracuse is committed to ensuring the long-term health of our clients, and we believe that education for clients and family members about potential risk factors is an important part of this education. This is just one of many reasons why At Home Independent Living is one of the top rated home care companies in Syracuse, New York.

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.

Preventing Type 2 diabetes is particularly important for older adults. 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 as they get older.

At Home Independent Living is committed to providing independent home living care that helps our clients lead full, enriching lives at all levels of care. Contact us today to find out more about the home care services that we offer.