Gymnema sylvestre-supplemented chewing gum and sweet food consumption in type 1 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind pilot trial (the sweet victory trial)

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires lifelong insulin therapy, yet managing postprandial glucose excursions after refined carbohydrate intake remains challenging. Gymnema Sylvestre (GS), an herbal supplement known for sweetness-suppressing effects, may help reduce sweet cravings/intake. The study assessed the impact of GS-supplemented chewing gum on sweet food consumption and glycemic control in adults with T1DM. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, pilot trial was conducted with 22 adults with T1DM who used continuous glucose monitoring and reported frequent sweets consumption. Participants were randomized 2:1 to GS gum (70 mg GS/gum; 3 times/daily) or placebo for two weeks. The primary outcome was change in glycemic control, defined as time in range (TIR; 70–180 mg/dL). Secondary outcomes included changes in daily sweet food consumption, cravings, and perceived dietary control. Results: Participants in the GS and placebo groups consumed an average of 2.41 ± 0.60 and 2.10 ± 0.32 gums per day, respectively. The GS group demonstrated a significant reduction in sweet food consumption from baseline (p = 0.005), while the placebo group showed no significant change. Between-group analysis showed a trend towards reduction in sweet consumption (−0.71 servings/day; 95 % CI: −1.45 to 0.03; p = 0.058). Improvements in subjective craving control were also reported in the GS group. No significant differences were observed in TIR or other glycemic measures. Conclusion: GS-supplemented gum may reduce self-reported sweet intake and cravings in adults with T1DM, though differences versus placebo were not statistically significant. Findings suggest a potential behavioral effect that warrants confirmation in larger trials.