Effect of a Sugar Replacement on Blood Glucose Levels in Healthy Adults
This research is investigating a sugar replacement called Oligomate® and its impact on blood sugar levels after meals. Doctors know that high blood sugar after eating can increase the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. By helping to manage blood sugar, we might be able to prevent these health problems or improve care for those who already have them. Healthy volunteers will drink water with either Oligomate® or a sugar called glucose. We will take blood samples at different times to see how their blood sugar and insulin levels change. This will help us understand if Oligomate® could be a helpful way to keep blood sugar more balanced.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, are linked to having high blood sugar, especially after you've eaten a meal. This rise in blood sugar is sometimes called 'postprandial hyperglycaemia'. Finding ways to keep blood sugar levels more stable after eating could be a really important step in preventing these conditions from developing, or in helping people who already have them manage their health better.
This study aims to discover if a special sugar replacement called Oligomate® (specifically, a type of beta-galacto-oligosaccharide) can help lower these blood sugar spikes. We want to see how it performs when used instead of some of the usual sugars found in drinks, in people who are otherwise healthy. We're hoping to understand if it could be a simple way to have a positive impact on your body's response to food.
To find this out, volunteers will come to our research centre and drink certain beverages. Some will get Oligomate®, while others will get glucose (a type of sugar, used for comparison). We'll then take a few small blood samples over a couple of hours to carefully measure how their blood sugar and insulin levels change. This will give us a clear picture of how Oligomate® affects the body compared to regular sugar.
Key takeaways
- This study evaluates Oligomate®, a sugar replacement, and its effect on blood sugar after meals.
- It aims to find ways to help lower blood sugar spikes, potentially reducing risks of conditions like diabetes.
- Healthy adults (18-65) are needed, free from diabetes or certain medical conditions/medications.
- Participation involves two study visits, each with blood samples taken after drinking a test beverage.
- You'll contribute to important research that could improve future health recommendations.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 65. Your body mass index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 29.9. For women who can become pregnant, you'll need to have regular periods or use hormonal contraception.
You cannot join the study if you have diabetes of any kind, or an HbA1c (a measure of average blood sugar) that is outside a healthy range. You also can't take part if you have certain hormone conditions, any food allergies or intolerances, or if you follow a vegan diet. We can't include you if you're taking medications that affect blood sugar, appetite, or digestion, or if you've been in hospital recently for a major illness or surgery.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Am I generally healthy, aged between 18 and 65?
- Is my BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 and 29.9?
- Do I currently have diabetes or take medication for blood sugar?
- Do I have any food allergies, intolerances, or follow a vegan diet?
- Have I recently been hospitalised for a major illness or surgery?
- Am I able to commit to the study visits (two required)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have a screening visit. This involves filling out a health questionnaire, having your height and weight measured, and a small finger-prick blood test. We'll also check your veins to make sure blood samples can be taken easily. If everything looks good, you'll be invited for two study visits.
For each study visit, you'll need to eat a special high-carb vegetarian meal the evening before and then fast (not eat anything) for 12 hours overnight. When you arrive in the morning, we'll weigh you and then a trained nurse will gently insert a small tube (cannula) into a vein in your arm. This allows us to take several small blood samples without needing to prick you each time. After two initial blood samples, you'll drink a test beverage. We'll then take more blood samples over the next two hours to see how your body reacts. The two study visits will be about 1 to 2 weeks apart, and you'll repeat the same process for the second visit, trying the other test drink. Each study visit will likely take a few hours. The total duration of your involvement, from screening to the end of the second visit, will be around 2-3 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of Aberdeen, Rowett InstituteVerified postcodeAberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is postprandial hyperglycaemia?
It simply means having high blood sugar levels after you've eaten a meal.
What is Oligomate®?
It's a special type of sugar replacement that we're studying to see if it helps manage blood sugar.
Will I know if I'm getting Oligomate® or standard sugar?
No, this is a 'single-blind' study, meaning you won't know which drink you're getting at each visit.
How much blood will be taken?
During each study visit, about 48ml of blood will be taken in total, which is a small amount.
Do I need to change my diet for the study?
You'll be asked to eat a specific high-carb meal the night before each study visit and then fast. Otherwise, your usual diet is fine.
How to find out more
Karen Scott, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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