Saccharin, the oldest calorie-free manufactured sweetener, replaces table sugar, giving sweetness without the immediate rise in blood sugar, a well-supported point. Proof that switching helps weight control is missing. Human studies have not confirmed the rat-based bladder cancer concern, but survey-based studies link saccharin to faster memory decline and, in diabetes or prediabetes, higher death rates. Longer-term effects on gut bacteria and blood sugar handling remain open. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting plasma glucose | <100 mg/dL | Safety check for rising glucose |
| HbA1c | <5.7% | Tracks longer-term glucose control |
| 2-hour OGTT glucose | <140 mg/dL | Detects impaired glucose tolerance from regular use |
| CGM post-meal glucose response | No established target; track change from own baseline | Person-specific glycemic changes |
| Body weight | Stable or improving | Detects compensatory eating |
| Waist circumference | Not specified in the ER | Baseline personal reference |
Cadence: Baseline before regular use; glucose response test repeated at 2 weeks and 3 months, then fasting glucose and HbA1c every 6–12 months; weight monthly. A worsening OGTT or CGM pattern relative to baseline is a reason to stop and retest after a 2–4 week break.