Which sweeteners are safe for diabetics to use. How do natural sugar alternatives compare to artificial sweeteners. What are the potential benefits and risks of different sugar substitutes for people with diabetes.

Understanding Sugar Substitutes and Their Impact on Diabetes

For individuals managing diabetes, choosing the right sweetener can be crucial for maintaining stable blood glucose levels. While artificial sweeteners have long been marketed as “diabetes-friendly” options, recent research suggests they may not be the ideal choice. This article explores various sugar alternatives, their effects on blood sugar, and which options may be most beneficial for people with diabetes.

The Drawbacks of Artificial Sweeteners

Contrary to popular belief, artificial sweeteners may have unexpected effects on blood glucose levels and overall health:

• They can interfere with the body’s learned taste responses
• May confuse the brain, potentially leading to increased cravings for sweet foods
• Some studies indicate a possible link between artificial sweetener consumption and an increased risk of obesity and diabetes
• Research suggests they can alter gut bacteria composition, potentially leading to glucose intolerance

Natural Sugar Alternatives for Diabetics

Fortunately, several natural sugar substitutes offer potential benefits for individuals with diabetes. These alternatives not only provide sweetness but may also have additional health-promoting properties.

Stevia: A Plant-Based Sweetener with Potential Antidiabetic Properties

Stevia, derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, has gained popularity as a low-calorie sweetener. FDA-approved and boasting antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, stevia offers several potential benefits for diabetics:

• May suppress plasma glucose levels
• Can significantly increase glucose tolerance
• Potential to increase insulin production and enhance insulin’s effect on cell membranes
• May help stabilize blood sugar levels
• Possibly counteracts some mechanisms of type 2 diabetes and its complications

While whole stevia leaves are the most natural option, processed stevia products are widely available under brand names such as Pure Via, SunCrystals, SweetLeaf, and Truvia. However, it’s important to note that these processed versions may contain additional ingredients and undergo extensive processing.

Emerging Natural Sweeteners: Tagatose and Monk Fruit Extract

Two promising natural sweeteners that are gaining attention in the diabetic community are tagatose and monk fruit extract.

Tagatose: A Potential Antidiabetic and Antiobesity Aid

Tagatose is a naturally occurring sugar that is currently being studied for its potential health benefits. Preliminary research indicates that tagatose may:

• Serve as a potential antidiabetic and antiobesity medication
• Lower blood sugar and insulin response
• Interfere with carbohydrate absorption

A 2018 review of studies concluded that tagatose shows promise as a sweetener without major adverse effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term impacts on health.

Monk Fruit Extract: A Sweet Option with Minimal Processing

Monk fruit extract is another alternative sweetener gaining popularity. While it offers sweetness without calories, it’s important to remember that no processed sweetener can match the nutritional benefits of using fresh whole fruit to sweeten foods naturally.

Whole Food Sweeteners: Date Sugar and Coconut Palm Sugar

For those seeking minimally processed options, whole food sweeteners like date sugar and coconut palm sugar can be excellent choices.

Date Sugar: Sweetness with Fiber

Date sugar, made from dried and ground whole dates, offers a unique advantage:

• Contains the fruit’s natural fiber, which can help slow sugar absorption
• Allows for subtraction of fiber from total carbohydrates when counting carbs for meal planning
• Provides a lower impact on blood sugar due to its fibrous nature

Coconut Palm Sugar: A Lower Glycemic Alternative

Coconut palm sugar is another whole food sweetener that may be beneficial for diabetics:

• Has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar
• Contains small amounts of nutrients and fiber
• Provides a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels

Sugar Alcohols: A Middle Ground Option

Sugar alcohols, such as erythritol and xylitol, represent another category of sweeteners that may be suitable for people with diabetes:

• Provide fewer calories than regular sugar
• Have a minimal impact on blood glucose levels
• May offer some dental health benefits

However, it’s important to note that consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols can lead to digestive discomfort in some individuals.

Making Informed Choices: Balancing Sweetness and Health

When selecting a sugar substitute, it’s crucial to consider not only its impact on blood glucose but also its overall effect on health. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Whole, natural options like fresh fruits or date sugar provide sweetness along with beneficial nutrients and fiber
• Stevia, monk fruit extract, and tagatose offer sweetness with minimal calories and potential health benefits
• Sugar alcohols can be a good middle-ground option but should be consumed in moderation
• Artificial sweeteners, while calorie-free, may have unexpected effects on metabolism and gut health

Do artificial sweeteners raise blood glucose levels? While marketed as “sugar-free” or “diabetic-friendly,” some studies suggest artificial sweeteners can still impact glucose levels. A 2016 study found that normal-weight individuals who consumed more artificial sweeteners were more likely to have diabetes than overweight or obese people who consumed less.

Incorporating Sugar Substitutes into a Diabetic Diet

When using sugar substitutes as part of a diabetic diet, consider the following strategies:

1. Start with small amounts to assess your body’s response
2. Monitor your blood glucose levels closely when trying new sweeteners
3. Combine sweeteners with fiber-rich foods to help slow sugar absorption
4. Use whole fruit as a natural sweetener whenever possible
5. Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized advice

Can diabetics use any sweetener freely? While some sweeteners have less impact on blood sugar than others, it’s important for diabetics to monitor their intake of all sweeteners. Even natural alternatives should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The Future of Sweeteners for Diabetics

As research into sugar substitutes continues, new options may emerge that offer even better solutions for individuals with diabetes. Current areas of study include:

• Novel plant-based sweeteners with potential antidiabetic properties
• Improved formulations of existing natural sweeteners
• Combinations of sweeteners that may offer synergistic benefits
• Personalized approaches to sweetener use based on individual metabolic responses

How might future sweeteners improve diabetes management? Ongoing research aims to develop sweeteners that not only provide sweetness without calories but also actively contribute to better blood glucose control and overall metabolic health.

Emerging Research and Potential Breakthroughs

Scientists are exploring various avenues to create ideal sweeteners for diabetics:

• Investigating compounds that may enhance insulin sensitivity
• Developing sweeteners that positively influence gut microbiota
• Studying the long-term effects of natural and artificial sweeteners on metabolic health
• Exploring the potential of fermented sweeteners with prebiotic properties

What role might personalized nutrition play in sweetener recommendations for diabetics? As our understanding of individual metabolic differences grows, future recommendations may be tailored to a person’s unique genetic profile and gut microbiome composition.

Navigating Sweetener Choices in Everyday Life

For individuals with diabetes, making informed choices about sweeteners extends beyond home cooking. Consider these strategies for managing sweetener intake in various situations:

Dining Out and Social Gatherings

• Ask about sweeteners used in prepared foods and beverages
• Carry your preferred natural sweetener for coffee or tea
• Choose unsweetened options and add your own sweetener if needed
• Be mindful of hidden sugars in sauces and dressings

Reading Food Labels

Understanding food labels is crucial for managing sweetener intake:

• Look for hidden sources of sugar or artificial sweeteners in ingredient lists
• Be aware that “sugar-free” doesn’t always mean carbohydrate-free
• Check for sugar alcohols, which may be listed separately from total carbohydrates
• Consider the fiber content, which can help offset the impact of sugars

How can diabetics effectively decode food labels to make informed sweetener choices? Familiarize yourself with various names for sugars and sweeteners, and always check the nutrition facts panel in conjunction with the ingredient list.

Cooking and Baking with Alternative Sweeteners

Adapting recipes to use diabetes-friendly sweeteners may require some experimentation:

• Be aware that some alternative sweeteners may not provide the same texture or browning properties as sugar
• Adjust liquid content in recipes when using liquid sweeteners like stevia extracts
• Combine different sweeteners to achieve a more balanced flavor profile
• Consider using naturally sweet ingredients like applesauce or mashed bananas in baking

What are some tips for successful baking with sugar substitutes? Start by replacing only a portion of the sugar in a recipe with an alternative sweetener, and gradually increase the substitution in subsequent attempts to find the right balance.

The Psychological Aspect of Sweeteners in Diabetes Management

Managing diabetes involves more than just monitoring blood glucose levels; it also requires addressing the psychological aspects of dietary changes. The use of sweeteners can play a significant role in this process:

Overcoming Sugar Cravings

• Gradually reduce overall sweetness in your diet to retrain your palate
• Use small amounts of intense natural sweeteners to satisfy cravings
• Incorporate sweet-tasting herbs and spices like cinnamon or vanilla to add flavor without sugar
• Practice mindful eating to fully appreciate the natural sweetness in whole foods

Maintaining Quality of Life

Finding satisfying alternatives to sugar can help individuals with diabetes maintain a sense of normalcy and enjoyment in their diet:

• Experiment with different sweeteners to find options that please your palate
• Allow for occasional treats using carefully chosen sweeteners in moderation
• Focus on the overall quality and variety of your diet rather than fixating on sweetness
• Seek support from diabetes educators or support groups for tips on managing sweet cravings

How can diabetics balance the desire for sweet tastes with the need to control blood sugar? By exploring a variety of natural sweeteners and focusing on whole foods, it’s possible to satisfy sweet cravings while maintaining good glycemic control.

Integrating Sweetener Choices into a Comprehensive Diabetes Management Plan

While choosing appropriate sweeteners is important, it’s just one aspect of effective diabetes management. A holistic approach should include:

Regular Monitoring and Adjustment

• Keep detailed records of blood glucose responses to different sweeteners
• Work with healthcare providers to adjust medication or insulin doses as needed
• Regularly reassess sweetener choices based on overall health outcomes

Lifestyle Factors

Sweetener choices should be considered alongside other lifestyle factors:

• Regular physical activity to help manage blood glucose levels
• Stress management techniques to reduce the impact of stress on blood sugar
• Adequate sleep to support overall metabolic health
• Balanced meals that combine protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates

How do lifestyle factors interact with sweetener choices in diabetes management? A healthy lifestyle can enhance the body’s ability to handle sweeteners, while poor lifestyle choices may exacerbate the negative effects of certain sweeteners.

Ongoing Education and Support

Staying informed about diabetes management and sweetener options is crucial:

• Attend diabetes education classes or workshops
• Join support groups to share experiences and learn from others
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research on sweeteners and diabetes
• Consult with a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes for personalized advice

What resources are available for diabetics to stay informed about sweetener options? Many diabetes organizations offer educational materials, webinars, and support services to help individuals make informed choices about sweeteners and overall diabetes management.

Which Sugar Substitutes Are Good for Diabetes? Stevia, Monk Fruit, Mo

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Despite sometimes being labeled as “diabetes-friendly,” artificial sweeteners may not be the best choice if you’re trying to monitor your blood glucose.

With a low to no calorie sugar count, artificial sweeteners may seem like a treat for people with diabetes. But recent research indicates that artificial sweeteners may actually be counterintuitive, especially if you’re looking to manage or prevent diabetes.

In fact, the increased consumption of these sugar substitutes may correlate to the increase of obesity and diabetes cases.

The good news is that there are sugar alternatives you can choose from, including:

• stevia or stevia products such as Truvia
• tagatose
• monk fruit extract
• coconut palm sugar
• date sugar
• sugar alcohols, such as erythritol or xylitol

You’ll still want to watch your intake for glucose management, but these options are far better than the products marketed as “sugar-free.”

Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener that has antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. It’s been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Unlike artificial sweeteners and sugar, stevia can suppress your plasma glucose levels and significantly increase glucose tolerance. It’s also not an artificial sweetener, technically speaking. That’s because it’s made from the leaves of the steviaplant.

Stevia alsohas the ability to:

• increase insulin production
• increase insulin’s effect on cell membranes
• stabilize blood sugar levels
• counter the mechanics of type 2 diabetes and its complications

You can find steviaunder brand names such as:

• Pure Via
• Sun Crystals
• SweetLeaf
• Truvia

While steviais natural, these brands are usually highly processed and may contain other ingredients. For example, Truvia goes through 40 processing steps before it’s ready to be sold. It also contains the sugar alcohol erythritol.

Future research may shed more light on the impact of consuming these processed stevia sweeteners.

The best way to consume stevia is to grow the plant yourself and use the whole leaves to sweeten foods.

Shop: stevia

Tagatose is another naturally occurring sugar that researchers are studying. Preliminary studies show that tagatose:

• may be a potential antidiabetic and antiobesity medication
• can lower your blood sugar and insulin response
• interferes with the absorption of carbohydrates

A 2018 review of studies concluded tagatose is “promising as a sweetener without major adverse effects observed.”

But tagatose needs more studies for more definitive answers. Talk to your doctor before trying newer sweeteners such as tagatose.

Shop: tagatose

Monk fruit extract is another alternative that is gaining popularity. But no processed sweetener can beat using fresh whole fruit to sweeten foods.

Another excellent option is date sugar, made of whole dates that are dried and ground. It doesn’t provide fewer calories, but date sugar is made of the whole fruit with the fiber still intact.

You can also subtract fiber from total grams of carbohydrates, if you count carbs for meal planning. This will give you net carbs consumed. The more fibrous a food, the lower impact it will have on your blood sugar.

Shop: monk fruit extract or date sugar

Some artificial sweeteners say “sugar-free” or “diabetic-friendly,” but research suggests these sugars actually have the opposite of effect.

Your body responds to artificial sweeteners differently than it does regular sugar. Artificial sugar can interfere with your body’s learned taste. This can confuse your brain, which will send signals telling you to eat more, especially more sweet foods.

Artificial sweeteners can still raise your glucose levels

One 2016 study saw normal-weight individuals who ate more artificial sweeteners were more likely to have diabetes than people who were overweight or obese.

Another 2014 study found that these sugars, such as saccharin, can change your gut bacteria composition. This change can cause glucose intolerance, which is the first step towards metabolic syndrome and diabetes in adults.

For people who don’t develop a glucose intolerance, artificial sweeteners may help with weight-loss or diabetes control. But switching to this sugar replacement still requires long-term management and controlled intake.

if you’re thinking of replacing sugar regularly, talk to your doctor and dietitian about your concerns.

Artificial sweeteners may also contribute to weight gain

Obesity and being overweight is one of the top predictors for diabetes. While artificial sweeteners are FDA-approved, it doesn’t mean they’re healthy.

Marketing for food products can lead you to think non-caloric artificial sweeteners help with weight loss, but studies show the opposite.

That’s because artificial sweeteners:

• may lead to cravings, overeating and weight gain
• alter gut bacteria which is important for weight management

For people with diabetes looking to manage their weight or sugar intake, artificial sweeteners may not be a good substitute.

Being overweight or obese can also increase your risk factors for several other health issues such as high blood pressure, body pain, and stroke.

Safety rating for artificial sweeteners

The Center for Science in the Public Interest currently deems artificial sweeteners a product to “avoid.” Avoid means the product is unsafe or poorly tested and not worth any risk.

Sugar alcohols are naturally found in plants and berries. The types most often used in the food industry are synthetically created. You can find them in food products that are labeled as “sugar-free” or “no sugar added.”

Labels such as this are misleading because sugar alcohols are still carbohydrates. They can still raise your blood sugar, but not as much as regular sugar.

Common FDA-approved sugar alcohols are:

• erythritol
• xylitol
• sorbitol
• lactitol
• isomalt
• maltitol

Swerve is a newer consumer brand that contains erythritol. It’s available in many grocery stores. The brand Ideal contains both sucralose and xylitol.

Shop: erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, isomalt, or maltitol

Different from artificial sweeteners

Sugar alcohols are often synthetic, similar to artificial sweeteners. But these two classifications of sugar alternatives aren’t the same. Sugar alcohols are different because they:

• can be metabolized without insulin
• are less sweet than artificial sweeteners and sugar
• can be partially digested in the intestine
• don’t have the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners

Research suggests that sugar alcohols can be a sufficient replacement for sugar. But reports also say that it won’t play a significant role in weight loss. You should treat sugar alcohols the same as sugar and limit your intake.

Sugar alcohols are also known to produce side effects such as gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. However, erythritol is usually better tolerated, if you’re concerned about these side effects.

Recent studies indicate that artificial sweeteners are no longer the healthy alternatives to sugar. In fact, they may increase a person’s risk for diabetes, glucose intolerance, and weight gain.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try stevia. Based on research to date, this alternative sweetener is one of your better options. It’s known for its antidiabetic properties and ability to stabilize blood sugar levels.

You can get stevia in raw form, grow the plant yourself, or buy it under brand names such as Sweet Leaf and Truvia.

However, you should still limit your total added sugar intake rather than switching to sugar substitutes.

The more you consume any kind of added sweeteners, the more your palate is exposed to sweet tastes. Palate research shows that the food you prefer and crave is the food that you eat most often.

You’ll see the most benefit for managing your sugar cravings and diabetes when you reduce all forms of added sugar.

Which Sugar Substitutes Are Good for Diabetes? Stevia, Monk Fruit, Mo

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Despite sometimes being labeled as “diabetes-friendly,” artificial sweeteners may not be the best choice if you’re trying to monitor your blood glucose.

With a low to no calorie sugar count, artificial sweeteners may seem like a treat for people with diabetes. But recent research indicates that artificial sweeteners may actually be counterintuitive, especially if you’re looking to manage or prevent diabetes.

In fact, the increased consumption of these sugar substitutes may correlate to the increase of obesity and diabetes cases.

The good news is that there are sugar alternatives you can choose from, including:

• stevia or stevia products such as Truvia
• tagatose
• monk fruit extract
• coconut palm sugar
• date sugar
• sugar alcohols, such as erythritol or xylitol

You’ll still want to watch your intake for glucose management, but these options are far better than the products marketed as “sugar-free.”

Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener that has antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. It’s been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Unlike artificial sweeteners and sugar, stevia can suppress your plasma glucose levels and significantly increase glucose tolerance. It’s also not an artificial sweetener, technically speaking. That’s because it’s made from the leaves of the steviaplant.

Stevia alsohas the ability to:

• increase insulin production
• increase insulin’s effect on cell membranes
• stabilize blood sugar levels
• counter the mechanics of type 2 diabetes and its complications

You can find steviaunder brand names such as:

• Pure Via
• Sun Crystals
• SweetLeaf
• Truvia

While steviais natural, these brands are usually highly processed and may contain other ingredients. For example, Truvia goes through 40 processing steps before it’s ready to be sold. It also contains the sugar alcohol erythritol.

Future research may shed more light on the impact of consuming these processed stevia sweeteners.

The best way to consume stevia is to grow the plant yourself and use the whole leaves to sweeten foods.

Shop: stevia

Tagatose is another naturally occurring sugar that researchers are studying. Preliminary studies show that tagatose:

• may be a potential antidiabetic and antiobesity medication
• can lower your blood sugar and insulin response
• interferes with the absorption of carbohydrates

A 2018 review of studies concluded tagatose is “promising as a sweetener without major adverse effects observed.”

But tagatose needs more studies for more definitive answers. Talk to your doctor before trying newer sweeteners such as tagatose.

Shop: tagatose

Monk fruit extract is another alternative that is gaining popularity. But no processed sweetener can beat using fresh whole fruit to sweeten foods.

Another excellent option is date sugar, made of whole dates that are dried and ground. It doesn’t provide fewer calories, but date sugar is made of the whole fruit with the fiber still intact.

You can also subtract fiber from total grams of carbohydrates, if you count carbs for meal planning. This will give you net carbs consumed. The more fibrous a food, the lower impact it will have on your blood sugar.

Shop: monk fruit extract or date sugar

Some artificial sweeteners say “sugar-free” or “diabetic-friendly,” but research suggests these sugars actually have the opposite of effect.

Your body responds to artificial sweeteners differently than it does regular sugar. Artificial sugar can interfere with your body’s learned taste. This can confuse your brain, which will send signals telling you to eat more, especially more sweet foods.

Artificial sweeteners can still raise your glucose levels

One 2016 study saw normal-weight individuals who ate more artificial sweeteners were more likely to have diabetes than people who were overweight or obese.

Another 2014 study found that these sugars, such as saccharin, can change your gut bacteria composition. This change can cause glucose intolerance, which is the first step towards metabolic syndrome and diabetes in adults.

For people who don’t develop a glucose intolerance, artificial sweeteners may help with weight-loss or diabetes control. But switching to this sugar replacement still requires long-term management and controlled intake.

if you’re thinking of replacing sugar regularly, talk to your doctor and dietitian about your concerns.

Artificial sweeteners may also contribute to weight gain

Obesity and being overweight is one of the top predictors for diabetes. While artificial sweeteners are FDA-approved, it doesn’t mean they’re healthy.

Marketing for food products can lead you to think non-caloric artificial sweeteners help with weight loss, but studies show the opposite.

That’s because artificial sweeteners:

• may lead to cravings, overeating and weight gain
• alter gut bacteria which is important for weight management

For people with diabetes looking to manage their weight or sugar intake, artificial sweeteners may not be a good substitute.

Being overweight or obese can also increase your risk factors for several other health issues such as high blood pressure, body pain, and stroke.

Safety rating for artificial sweeteners

The Center for Science in the Public Interest currently deems artificial sweeteners a product to “avoid.” Avoid means the product is unsafe or poorly tested and not worth any risk.

Sugar alcohols are naturally found in plants and berries. The types most often used in the food industry are synthetically created. You can find them in food products that are labeled as “sugar-free” or “no sugar added.”

Labels such as this are misleading because sugar alcohols are still carbohydrates. They can still raise your blood sugar, but not as much as regular sugar.

Common FDA-approved sugar alcohols are:

• erythritol
• xylitol
• sorbitol
• lactitol
• isomalt
• maltitol

Swerve is a newer consumer brand that contains erythritol. It’s available in many grocery stores. The brand Ideal contains both sucralose and xylitol.

Shop: erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, isomalt, or maltitol

Different from artificial sweeteners

Sugar alcohols are often synthetic, similar to artificial sweeteners. But these two classifications of sugar alternatives aren’t the same. Sugar alcohols are different because they:

• can be metabolized without insulin
• are less sweet than artificial sweeteners and sugar
• can be partially digested in the intestine
• don’t have the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners

Research suggests that sugar alcohols can be a sufficient replacement for sugar. But reports also say that it won’t play a significant role in weight loss. You should treat sugar alcohols the same as sugar and limit your intake.

Sugar alcohols are also known to produce side effects such as gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. However, erythritol is usually better tolerated, if you’re concerned about these side effects.

Recent studies indicate that artificial sweeteners are no longer the healthy alternatives to sugar. In fact, they may increase a person’s risk for diabetes, glucose intolerance, and weight gain.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try stevia. Based on research to date, this alternative sweetener is one of your better options. It’s known for its antidiabetic properties and ability to stabilize blood sugar levels.

You can get stevia in raw form, grow the plant yourself, or buy it under brand names such as Sweet Leaf and Truvia.

However, you should still limit your total added sugar intake rather than switching to sugar substitutes.

The more you consume any kind of added sweeteners, the more your palate is exposed to sweet tastes. Palate research shows that the food you prefer and crave is the food that you eat most often.

You’ll see the most benefit for managing your sugar cravings and diabetes when you reduce all forms of added sugar.

Sugar substitutes for diabetics – which sweetener to choose? > Green Leaf

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More than 422 million people worldwide have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, according to WHO. This disease imposes many restrictions and in some way becomes a “way of life”. First of all, the patient needs a strict diet. Some foods can be consumed in small quantities, while others can be completely forgotten. And sweets are out of the question. But what to do if the patient is an incorrigible sweet tooth and cannot imagine his life without his favorite cookies and cakes? Sugar substitutes for diabetics come to the rescue. But are they all safe? Will they harm the body? Let’s look at which sweeteners are suitable for people with diabetes, how to use them correctly, and where you can buy such products.

Diabetes – what is it and how to recognize it?

Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease of the endocrine system in our time. The main reason for its occurrence is a lack of insulin. It is characterized by a metabolic disorder, in particular, carbohydrates.

A number of factors can lead to the development of the disease:

• hereditary predisposition;
• obesity;
• diseases of the pancreas;
• certain viral infections;
• age;
• constant stress.

Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus requires laboratory testing. To begin with, a person will have to donate blood to analyze the level of sugar. If the result is more than 5.6 mmol / l, another study is prescribed – a glucose tolerance test. The need for further diagnosis and treatment will be determined by the attending physician.

There are a number of symptoms that can also signal the development of diabetes. Key features to look out for:

• frequent urination and unquenchable thirst;
• tingling and numbness of limbs;
• blurred vision;
• frequent dizziness;
• decreased sexual activity;
• heaviness in the legs.

All symptoms may not appear in a particular person. But if you notice at least a few signs, it is worth getting an examination.

Erythritol and stevia – an excellent alternative to sugar in diabetes

Diabetes is not a sentence, and despite many prohibitions, you can live a full life even with this disease. This includes the diet. The main problem lies in the fact that it is necessary to calculate the glycemic load. Each food product has a glycemic index – a conditional indicator that determines the speed with which the carbohydrates contained in this product are absorbed by the body and increase blood glucose levels.

Regular white sugar has a glycemic index of 70, so its consumption is highly undesirable even in small quantities. And here natural sweeteners come to the rescue, for example, stevia and erythritol, the benefits and harms of which in diabetes have been studied for decades.

Today, no one doubts the beneficial effect of natural sweeteners on the body. Scientists have confirmed that stevia and erythritol cannot harm health, since they do not contain any synthetic substances, and the glycemic index is zero. In addition, these products have zero calorie content, so they will not add extra pounds either. For people with diabetes, this is also important, since many of them are also obese.

Buying stevia or other natural sweetener means living life to the fullest, indulging in your favorite treats. Such products become an excellent addition to pastries, hot and cold drinks, ice cream, sauces and even marinades.

Stevia and erythritol will not bring harm, and even vice versa. Studies have confirmed that the following sweeteners:

• are recommended for high blood pressure;
• strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
• reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol;
• improve the condition of the skin, nails and hair;
• increase the immunity and tone of the body as a whole.

Natural sweeteners have no side effects, and only individual intolerance should be singled out as contraindications, but such cases are very rare. Also, stevia and erythritol may be incompatible with some specific pharmacological preparations.

When a person does not suffer hardships, he is always in a good mood, and positive thinking is an important factor in any illness. To indulge yourself with goodies at least every day, it is enough to buy erythritol or stevia. And you can do this right on our website by adding the desired product to the “Basket”. In addition, there is an opportunity to purchase our products in Ukrainian supermarkets with which we cooperate. You can also find a complete list of them on our website. Choose the best sweetener and start a healthy and happy life today! Orders placed Monday to Friday before 4:00 pm are processed and shipped the same day.

Sweeteners for diabetes mellitus – Dietology.pro
Sweeteners are often consumed on a diet. They make food sweet, but they do not increase its calorie content. How safe is this product for people with diabetes? This will be discussed in our article.

Sugar is a real enemy for those who seek to get rid of extra pounds. It is for such people that artificial sweeteners were invented. They irritate “sweet” receptors and at the same time are low-calorie foods. The attitude towards them among nutritionists and doctors is ambiguous. On the one hand, sweeteners help to lose weight by reducing the total caloric content of food, on the other hand, the product can increase the feeling of hunger, forcing you to eat much more than you need. There are studies that show that these additives cause addiction to sweets: the receptors are irritated, lose sensitivity, which is why the body requires an increase in the “dose”.

For people with diabetes, the issue of eating sweets is very acute. How safe is it for them to consume alternative sugars?

Can a natural substitute be used for diabetes?

Natural sweeteners are fructose, xylitol, sorbitol and stevia. Their energy value is almost the same as that of regular sugar. The main difference is that these substances are absorbed gradually. Yes, they increase the concentration of glucose in the blood, but this does not happen abruptly, without jumps. For the assimilation of, for example, fructose, the body does not need insulin, so these products have no contraindications. Doctors are unanimous in their opinion: patients with type 1 diabetes can include natural sweeteners in their diet. For patients with type 2 diabetes, these products are contraindicated: their calorie content is comparable to the calorie content of regular sugar, and this must be taken into account when developing a nutrition plan. People with diabetes are advised to consume sugar in its original form – along with berries and fruits. But again, you should know when to stop!

Natural sweeteners are well absorbed by the body and excreted naturally. Fructose has a positive effect on the liver and interacts well with glycogen. Xylitol is highly soluble in water and gives a fresh mouth feel. Sorbitol is absorbed in the intestine by 100%. It has a high nutritional value and has a laxative effect, activating bowel cleansing. Against the background of these products, stevia stands out favorably – a natural sweetener, the sweetness of which is many times greater than regular sugar. It is available as an extract or powder, adds a sweet flavor to dishes, and is often used in baking. Stevia lowers blood sugar levels, normalizes blood pressure and strengthens the body’s defenses.

Can artificial sweetener be used for diabetes?

Artificial sweeteners are completely calorie-free. They do not carry any energy burden, due to which you can easily calculate the number of calories consumed if you follow a strict diet. These foods do not have any effect on blood glucose levels and do not cause diabetes. In high doses, artificial sweeteners can cause bladder cancer. For diabetics, such sweeteners are dangerous because they cause kidney failure. They are poorly digested and do not saturate the body with the expected carbohydrates. When artificial sweeteners break down, methanol is formed, which causes poisoning of the body, which is fraught with retinopathy for patients. Artificial sweeteners should be consumed in very small doses. It is quite difficult to control this, as such products are increasingly used in the food industry.

Patients with diabetes artificial additives are contraindicated.

The most popular artificial sweeteners are:

• Saccharin is much sweeter than sugar, but gives dishes an unpleasant metallic taste. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 11 tablets.
• Cyclamate – when split in the stomach, it turns into cyclohexylamine, the properties of which are not fully understood. It is used in the food industry for the preparation of juices, compotes, desserts.
• Aspartame – with prolonged use causes migraines, allergies, sleep disturbances. During heat treatment, it breaks down into methanol and phenylalanine – powerful carcinogens.
• Dulcin is a urea derivative that causes anemia, cirrhosis of the liver and growth retardation.

Which one is better?

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then when choosing a sweetener, be sure to first consult with your doctor. Even natural sweeteners can cause side effects. The doctor will study the history, determine the condition of the liver and kidneys, and, based on the results of the examination, will be able to prescribe a “sweet supplement” that will not harm health.