Question about IF and Type 1 Diabetes I haven’t seen on this sub

I just started IF this week, CW - 398 GW - 180. I have been a type 1 diabetic for 25+ years. I have been on an insulin pump for 20 years. I have discussed IF with my doctor and she is on board. My question is specifically about artificial sweeteners during my fast. I get insulin all the time with my pump, so my theory is that artificial sweeteners won’t effect my fast, since the insulin spike is what most people are worried about during IF. So as long as artificial sweetener doesn’t cause a jump in my blood sugar, which it doesn’t, then I shouldn’t have any trouble having some diet soda or other types of drinks during my fast correct? Obviously I know artificial sweeteners are terrible for you, but I’m just thinking every now and then to break up the monotony as I don’t drink coffee or tea.

Answer

I’m always going to suggest that a person with diabetes talks their own doctor about their situation. Having said that…

Sounds like you can actually measure your glucose levels in real time. If you have an artificial sweetener as bd no glucose spike, presumably you didn’t get a cephalic response to the sweeteners.

The literature on this is mixed, as bd some studies suggest that there are “responders” and “non-responders” to sweeteners. It isn’t clear (to me from the studies I’ve read) if the difference between responders and non-responders is genetic or learned. But, based on what you see, you are probably okay (at least for now).

But be aware that there are studies that show that a human consuming an artificial sweetener can see a jump of 3-4 mg/dL in their blood glucose. So, not everyone will be unresponsive.