Sweet Taste Test

Those prone to Type II diabetes are not able to perceive sweet tastes, causing them to consume larger and larger quantities of sugary products. This, of course, leads to obesity and the increased risk of developing full-blown, Type I diabetes.

The following test can detect any inability to taste sweets.

Do not consume stimulants (coffee, tea, soda) or anything sweet for 1 hour before the test.

Label 7 identical glasses as having: 1/4 tsp. sugar; 1/2 tsp. sugar; 1 tsp. sugar; 1½ tsp. sugar; 2 tsp. sugar; 3 tsp. sugar; and no sugar, respectively.

Fill each glass with 8 ounces of water with the sugar and stir.

Have someone rearrange the glasses, hiding the labels in the process.

Take a straw and sip from each glass, marking which amount you think each one contains.

Between each test, rinse your mouth out with water.

Most people perceive a sweet taste with 1 tsp. or less sugar in the water.

Those with Type II diabetes will not perceive sweetness until they have tasted 1½ to 2 tsp. of sugar water.

This page was updated in December 2005.