Which sugar substitutes are safe for diabetics. How do natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit impact blood glucose levels. Can artificial sweeteners raise blood sugar in people with diabetes. What are the best low-calorie sweetener options for diabetics.

Understanding the Impact of Sweeteners on Diabetes Management

For individuals with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is a critical aspect of their daily lives. The choice of sweeteners can significantly impact glucose management, making it essential to understand which options are truly beneficial. Despite marketing claims, not all sugar substitutes labeled as “diabetes-friendly” are actually suitable for those monitoring their blood glucose.

Recent research has shed light on the potentially counterintuitive effects of artificial sweeteners, suggesting a correlation between their increased consumption and the rise in obesity and diabetes cases. This revelation has prompted a closer look at alternative sweetening options that can offer both taste satisfaction and better glycemic control.

Natural Sweeteners: A Safer Choice for Diabetics

Several natural sweeteners have emerged as promising alternatives for individuals with diabetes. These options not only provide sweetness but also offer additional health benefits:

• Stevia
• Monk fruit extract
• Tagatose
• Coconut palm sugar
• Date sugar
• Sugar alcohols (e.g., erythritol, xylitol)

While these alternatives generally have a lower impact on blood sugar levels compared to regular sugar, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. Monitoring intake remains crucial for effective glucose management.

Stevia: A Natural Powerhouse for Diabetes Management

Stevia stands out as a low-calorie sweetener with remarkable properties beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, this natural sweetener has gained FDA approval and offers several advantages:

• Suppresses plasma glucose levels
• Significantly improves glucose tolerance
• Increases insulin production
• Enhances insulin’s effect on cell membranes
• Helps stabilize blood sugar levels
• Counters the mechanics of type 2 diabetes and its complications

How can diabetics incorporate stevia into their diet? The most natural approach is to grow the stevia plant and use whole leaves to sweeten foods. However, processed stevia products are widely available under brand names such as Pure Via, Sun Crystals, SweetLeaf, and Truvia. It’s worth noting that these commercial products often undergo extensive processing and may contain additional ingredients.

Tagatose: A Promising Newcomer in Diabetes Care

Tagatose is a naturally occurring sugar that has caught the attention of researchers for its potential antidiabetic properties. Preliminary studies have shown encouraging results:

• Potential as an antidiabetic and antiobesity medication
• Ability to lower blood sugar and insulin response
• Interference with carbohydrate absorption

A 2018 review of studies concluded that tagatose is “promising as a sweetener without major adverse effects observed.” However, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and optimal usage in diabetes management.

Monk Fruit Extract: A Sweet Solution with Minimal Glycemic Impact

Monk fruit extract is gaining popularity as a natural sweetener option for individuals with diabetes. This sweetener is derived from the monk fruit, also known as Luo Han Guo, and offers a concentrated sweetness without the calories or carbohydrates found in sugar.

How does monk fruit extract benefit diabetics? Its primary advantage lies in its ability to provide sweetness without significantly impacting blood glucose levels. The active compounds in monk fruit, known as mogrosides, are not metabolized in the same way as sugar, resulting in a minimal effect on insulin production.

Whole Fruit Alternatives: Date Sugar and Coconut Palm Sugar

For those seeking a less processed option, date sugar and coconut palm sugar offer interesting alternatives. Date sugar, made from dried and ground whole dates, retains the fruit’s natural fiber content. This fiber helps slow down the absorption of sugars, potentially leading to a more gradual impact on blood glucose levels.

Coconut palm sugar, derived from coconut palm sap, has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar. However, it’s important to note that it still contains calories and carbohydrates, so portion control remains essential for individuals with diabetes.

The Hidden Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetics

Contrary to popular belief, artificial sweeteners marketed as “sugar-free” or “diabetic-friendly” may not be the best choice for individuals managing diabetes. Research has uncovered several potential issues associated with these synthetic sweeteners:

• Interference with the body’s learned taste responses
• Potential to confuse brain signals, leading to increased appetite and cravings for sweet foods
• Possible elevation of glucose levels
• Alteration of gut bacteria composition, potentially leading to glucose intolerance

A 2016 study revealed that normal-weight individuals who consumed more artificial sweeteners were more likely to have diabetes than those who were overweight or obese. This counterintuitive finding highlights the complex relationship between artificial sweeteners and metabolic health.

Navigating Sweetener Choices: Tips for Diabetics

When selecting sweeteners, individuals with diabetes should consider the following guidelines:

1. Prioritize natural, minimally processed options
2. Monitor portion sizes and overall intake
3. Pay attention to individual blood glucose responses
4. Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized advice
5. Consider the overall nutritional profile of sweetened foods

How can diabetics satisfy their sweet tooth while maintaining blood sugar control? Opting for whole fruits as natural sweeteners can be an excellent strategy. The fiber content in whole fruits helps slow down sugar absorption, providing a more gradual impact on blood glucose levels.

The Role of Fiber in Blood Sugar Management

Understanding the importance of fiber in diabetes management can help individuals make more informed choices about sweeteners and overall diet. Fiber plays a crucial role in moderating blood sugar levels by:

• Slowing down the absorption of sugars
• Improving insulin sensitivity
• Promoting feelings of fullness, which can aid in weight management
• Supporting gut health, which may influence glucose metabolism

When considering sweeteners or sweet foods, opting for options that contain natural fiber can be beneficial. For example, when using date sugar, the intact fiber from the whole fruit can help mitigate the impact on blood sugar levels.

Calculating Net Carbs for Better Glucose Control

For individuals who count carbohydrates as part of their diabetes management plan, understanding the concept of net carbs can be helpful. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the grams of fiber from the total grams of carbohydrates in a food item. This calculation can provide a more accurate estimate of the carbohydrates that will impact blood sugar levels.

How does calculating net carbs benefit diabetics? By focusing on net carbs, individuals can make more informed choices about their carbohydrate intake, potentially allowing for better blood glucose control while still enjoying a variety of foods.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Diabetes-Friendly Sweeteners

The field of diabetes-friendly sweeteners is continuously evolving, with ongoing research exploring new alternatives and deepening our understanding of existing options. Some areas of current interest include:

• Development of novel plant-based sweeteners
• Investigation of the long-term effects of natural and artificial sweeteners on metabolic health
• Exploration of personalized approaches to sweetener use based on individual metabolic responses
• Research into the gut microbiome’s role in sweetener metabolism and glucose regulation

As research progresses, it’s likely that our understanding of the most appropriate sweetener choices for individuals with diabetes will continue to refine and evolve.

The Importance of Personalized Approaches

While general guidelines can be helpful, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals with diabetes may respond differently to various sweeteners. Factors such as overall diet, physical activity levels, medication regimens, and individual physiology can all influence how a person’s blood glucose levels respond to different sweetening agents.

How can diabetics determine the best sweetener options for their individual needs? Working closely with healthcare providers and regularly monitoring blood glucose levels can help identify the most suitable choices. Self-monitoring and keeping a detailed food diary can also provide valuable insights into personal responses to different sweeteners.

Balancing Taste Preferences and Health Goals

For many individuals with diabetes, finding a balance between satisfying taste preferences and maintaining optimal blood glucose control can be challenging. However, with the increasing availability of natural sweetener alternatives, it’s becoming easier to achieve this balance.

Some strategies for enjoying sweetness while managing diabetes include:

• Gradually reducing overall sweetener intake to adjust taste preferences
• Experimenting with different natural sweeteners to find preferred flavors
• Combining sweeteners with other flavors (e.g., cinnamon, vanilla) to enhance sweetness perception
• Focusing on the quality and nutrient density of foods rather than just their sweetness

By adopting a mindful approach to sweetener use and focusing on overall dietary quality, individuals with diabetes can enjoy a varied and satisfying diet while effectively managing their blood glucose levels.

The Role of Education and Support in Diabetes Management

Navigating the world of sweeteners and diabetes management can be complex. Access to accurate information and ongoing support is crucial for individuals looking to make informed choices about their diet and health. Diabetes education programs, support groups, and regular consultations with healthcare providers can all play important roles in empowering individuals to make the best decisions for their health.

How can diabetics stay informed about the latest research and recommendations regarding sweeteners? Regularly consulting with healthcare providers, attending diabetes education sessions, and following reputable diabetes organizations can help individuals stay up-to-date with the most current guidelines and research findings.

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

Skip to content

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.