Which sweeteners are safe for diabetics to use. How do natural sugar alternatives compare to artificial sweeteners for blood sugar management. What are the top recommended sugar substitutes for people with diabetes.

Understanding Sugar Substitutes and Their Impact on Diabetes

For individuals managing diabetes, choosing the right sweetener is crucial for maintaining stable blood glucose levels. While artificial sweeteners have long been marketed as “diabetes-friendly” alternatives, recent research suggests they may not be the best choice for blood sugar control. In fact, increased consumption of artificial sweeteners has been correlated with rising rates of obesity and diabetes.

Fortunately, several natural sugar alternatives can provide sweetness without the negative health impacts. These options not only satisfy sugar cravings but may also offer additional benefits for diabetics.

Stevia: A Natural Sweetener with Antidiabetic Properties

Stevia, derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, is a low-calorie sweetener that has gained popularity among health-conscious consumers. Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia has demonstrated antioxidant and antidiabetic properties in scientific studies.

Benefits of Stevia for Diabetics:

• Suppresses plasma glucose levels
• Increases glucose tolerance
• Enhances insulin production
• Improves insulin’s effect on cell membranes
• Helps stabilize blood sugar levels
• May counteract mechanisms of type 2 diabetes and its complications

How can diabetics incorporate stevia into their diet? The best approach is to use whole stevia leaves for sweetening foods and beverages. However, processed stevia products are widely available under brand names such as Pure Via, Sun Crystals, SweetLeaf, and Truvia. It’s important to note that these commercial products may undergo extensive processing and contain additional ingredients like sugar alcohols.

Tagatose: A Promising Natural Sweetener for Diabetes Management

Tagatose is a naturally occurring sugar that has caught the attention of researchers for its potential antidiabetic properties. While more studies are needed, preliminary research has shown promising results for blood sugar management.

Potential Benefits of Tagatose:

• Lowers blood sugar and insulin response
• Interferes with carbohydrate absorption
• May have antiobesity effects

Is tagatose safe for diabetics to use? A 2018 review of studies concluded that tagatose is “promising as a sweetener without major adverse effects observed.” However, as research is ongoing, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating tagatose into your diet.

Monk Fruit Extract: A Sweet Option with Minimal Glycemic Impact

Monk fruit extract is gaining popularity as a natural sweetener for diabetics. Derived from the monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii), this sweetener contains compounds called mogrosides that provide sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.

Advantages of Monk Fruit Extract:

• Zero calories
• Does not raise blood glucose
• May have antioxidant properties

How does monk fruit extract compare to other sweeteners? While monk fruit extract is a good option for diabetics, it’s important to remember that no processed sweetener can match the nutritional benefits of using fresh whole fruits to add natural sweetness to foods.

Date Sugar: A Whole Food Alternative with Fiber Benefits

Date sugar, made from dried and ground whole dates, offers a unique option for diabetics seeking a natural sweetener. Although it doesn’t provide fewer calories than regular sugar, date sugar retains the fiber content of whole dates, which can have beneficial effects on blood sugar management.

Why Consider Date Sugar:

• Contains intact fiber from whole dates
• Fiber can be subtracted from total carbohydrates for net carb counting
• May have a lower impact on blood sugar due to fiber content

How can diabetics use date sugar effectively? When incorporating date sugar into your diet, it’s important to account for its carbohydrate content. However, the presence of fiber can help mitigate rapid blood sugar spikes often associated with refined sugars.

The Controversy Surrounding Artificial Sweeteners

While artificial sweeteners have been marketed as “sugar-free” or “diabetic-friendly” alternatives, emerging research suggests they may have unintended consequences for blood sugar management and overall health.

Potential Issues with Artificial Sweeteners:

• May interfere with the body’s learned taste responses
• Can confuse brain signals, potentially leading to increased food cravings
• May still raise glucose levels despite being calorie-free
• Associated with an increased likelihood of diabetes in some studies
• Can alter gut bacteria composition, potentially affecting glucose tolerance

Do artificial sweeteners increase the risk of diabetes? A 2016 study found that normal-weight individuals who consumed more artificial sweeteners were more likely to have diabetes than overweight or obese individuals who consumed less. This surprising finding highlights the complex relationship between artificial sweeteners and metabolic health.

Coconut Palm Sugar: A Low Glycemic Index Alternative

Coconut palm sugar, derived from the sap of coconut palm trees, has gained attention as a potential alternative sweetener for diabetics. While it contains the same amount of calories as regular sugar, it has a lower glycemic index, which may result in a more gradual impact on blood sugar levels.

Characteristics of Coconut Palm Sugar:

• Lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar
• Contains small amounts of nutrients and fiber
• May cause a slower rise in blood glucose levels

Is coconut palm sugar a good choice for diabetics? While it may offer some advantages over refined sugar, it’s important to note that coconut palm sugar is still a form of sugar and should be used in moderation. Diabetics should carefully monitor their intake and consider the total carbohydrate content when incorporating it into their diet.

Sugar Alcohols: A Mixed Bag for Diabetics

Sugar alcohols, such as erythritol and xylitol, are another category of sweeteners that diabetics often consider. These compounds are neither sugars nor alcohols but are named as such due to their chemical structure.

Pros and Cons of Sugar Alcohols:

• Lower calorie content compared to regular sugar
• Generally have less impact on blood glucose levels
• May cause digestive discomfort in some individuals
• Can still affect blood sugar, especially when consumed in large amounts

How do sugar alcohols affect blood glucose? While sugar alcohols typically have less impact on blood sugar than regular sugar, they are not calorie-free and can still affect glucose levels. It’s important for diabetics to include sugar alcohols in their carbohydrate counting and monitor their individual response to these sweeteners.

When selecting sugar alcohols, erythritol is often considered one of the better options for diabetics due to its minimal impact on blood sugar and insulin levels. However, as with any sweetener, moderation is key.

Practical Tips for Choosing and Using Sweeteners with Diabetes

Managing diabetes while satisfying a sweet tooth requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some practical tips for incorporating sweeteners into a diabetes-friendly diet:

1. Prioritize whole food sweeteners: Whenever possible, opt for whole fruits or natural sweeteners like date sugar that retain fiber and nutrients.
2. Experiment with stevia: Try using fresh stevia leaves or minimally processed stevia products to sweeten beverages and foods.
3. Monitor portion sizes: Even with natural sweeteners, portion control is crucial for maintaining stable blood glucose levels.
4. Track total carbohydrates: When using any sweetener, be sure to account for its carbohydrate content in your meal planning.
5. Observe individual responses: Keep track of how different sweeteners affect your blood sugar levels, as individual responses can vary.
6. Combine sweeteners: Mixing small amounts of different natural sweeteners can help achieve a desired level of sweetness without overusing any single option.
7. Gradually reduce sweetness: Over time, try to decrease the amount of sweetener you use to allow your taste buds to adjust to less sweet flavors.

How can diabetics satisfy sweet cravings without compromising blood sugar control? One effective strategy is to pair small amounts of natural sweeteners with foods high in protein or healthy fats. This combination can help slow the absorption of sugars and minimize blood glucose spikes.

The Role of Fiber in Sugar Substitutes for Diabetes Management

When evaluating sugar substitutes for diabetes management, the fiber content of a sweetener can play a significant role in its overall impact on blood glucose levels. Fiber, particularly soluble fiber, can slow the absorption of sugars in the digestive system, leading to a more gradual rise in blood glucose.

Benefits of Fiber-Rich Sweeteners:

• Slows digestion and absorption of carbohydrates
• Helps prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels
• Promotes feelings of fullness and satiety
• May contribute to improved overall glycemic control

Why is fiber important for diabetics when choosing sweeteners? Fiber-rich sweeteners, such as date sugar or those derived from whole fruits, can offer a dual benefit of sweetness and improved blood sugar management. The presence of fiber can help mitigate the impact of the sweetener on blood glucose levels, making these options potentially more suitable for individuals with diabetes.

When selecting sweeteners, diabetics should consider not only the glycemic index but also the fiber content. Opting for sweeteners that retain natural fibers can contribute to better overall blood sugar control and digestive health.

The Future of Sweeteners for Diabetes: Emerging Research and Innovations

As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise globally, research into safe and effective sweeteners for blood sugar management remains a priority. Scientists are exploring novel compounds and refining existing sweeteners to better meet the needs of individuals with diabetes.

Promising Areas of Sweetener Research:

• Development of new plant-based sweeteners with antidiabetic properties
• Improvement of stevia extraction and processing methods to enhance its benefits
• Investigation of synergistic effects between different natural sweeteners
• Exploration of sweeteners that positively impact gut microbiota and metabolic health
• Creation of functional sweeteners with added health benefits for diabetics

What can diabetics expect from future sweetener innovations? As research progresses, we may see the development of sweeteners that not only provide sweetness without raising blood sugar but also offer additional health benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity or enhanced gut health. These advancements could significantly improve the quality of life for individuals managing diabetes.

While promising developments are on the horizon, it’s important for diabetics to work closely with healthcare providers to stay informed about the latest recommendations and incorporate new sweetener options safely into their diets.

Personalized Approaches to Sweetener Selection for Diabetics

Given the complex nature of diabetes and individual variations in metabolism, a one-size-fits-all approach to sweetener selection is not ideal. Personalized strategies that take into account an individual’s specific health profile, dietary preferences, and glycemic responses are becoming increasingly important in diabetes management.

Factors to Consider in Personalized Sweetener Selection:

• Individual glycemic response to different sweeteners
• Presence of other health conditions or medications
• Personal taste preferences and culinary needs
• Long-term health goals and lifestyle factors
• Potential interactions with gut microbiota

How can diabetics determine the best sweetener options for their individual needs? Working with a registered dietitian or diabetes educator can be invaluable in developing a personalized approach to sweetener use. These professionals can help interpret blood glucose patterns, conduct structured self-monitoring experiments with different sweeteners, and provide guidance on incorporating sweeteners into a balanced diabetes meal plan.

By taking a personalized approach, diabetics can optimize their sweetener choices to support better blood sugar control while still enjoying a variety of foods and beverages. This tailored strategy can contribute to improved overall diabetes management and quality of life.

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.