Background:
Fructose has been widely used for producing lower post-infusion glucose increase than other
carbohydrates, but seems that it promotes an increase in post-infusion triglycerides. Objective: The present study
investigated the effects of fructose and glucose in metabolic variables and appetite sensations in patients with type 1
diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
Methods:
This is a single-blind, randomized and crossover study (washout of 1-5 weeks), which has evaluated 16 adult
T1DM patients, accompanied at University Hospital. After eight hours overnight fasting, were assessment of capillary
blood glucose, anthropometric variables, appetite sensations and laboratory tests (glycemia, lipemia, leptin and glucagon).
Subsequently, they received 200mL of solutions with water and 75g of crystal fructose or glucose. Appetite sensations and
capillary blood glucose were evaluated in different post-infusion times. Blood was drawn after 180 minutes for the
laboratory tests.
Results:
Blood glucose increased after the intake of both solutions, but the glucose induced a higher elevation. None of
them increased triglycerides or glucagon. Glucagon maintenance was similar among the solutions. Furthermore, both
solutions reduced leptin and increased fullness, but only fructose increased lack of interest in eating sweets.
Conclusions:
Fructose induced smaller increase in postprandial blood glucose than glucose, without changes in
triglycerides and glucagon. In addition, leptin levels and appetite sensations were similar to glucose. Other studies are
needed in order to confirm these findings, especially in the long term, so that their use becomes really reliable.