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What sweetener can a diabetic use. Best Sugar Substitutes for Diabetics: Natural Alternatives to Artificial Sweeteners

Which sweeteners are safe for diabetics to use. How do natural sugar alternatives compare to artificial sweeteners. What are the health benefits of stevia, monk fruit, and other natural options for people with diabetes.

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Natural Sugar Alternatives for Diabetics: An Overview

For individuals with diabetes, managing blood glucose levels is crucial. While artificial sweeteners have long been marketed as “diabetes-friendly” options, recent research suggests they may not be the best choice. In fact, increased consumption of artificial sweeteners has been correlated with rising rates of obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, there are several natural sugar alternatives that may be more suitable for those looking to manage their diabetes.

Some of the top natural sugar substitutes for diabetics include:

  • Stevia and stevia-based products
  • Tagatose
  • Monk fruit extract
  • Coconut palm sugar
  • Date sugar
  • Sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol

While intake of these alternatives should still be monitored, they tend to have less impact on blood glucose levels compared to artificial sweeteners marketed as “sugar-free”.

The Benefits of Stevia for Diabetes Management

Stevia has emerged as a popular natural sweetener, particularly for those with diabetes. But why is stevia considered beneficial for blood sugar control?

Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has been approved by the FDA and offers several advantages for individuals with diabetes:

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

How can diabetics incorporate stevia into their diet? Stevia is available under various brand names such as Pure Via, Sun Crystals, SweetLeaf, and Truvia. However, it’s important to note that these commercial products are often highly processed and may contain additional ingredients.

For the most natural approach, consider growing stevia plants at home and using the whole leaves to sweeten foods and beverages. This ensures you’re getting the purest form of the sweetener without any additives.

Tagatose: A Promising Sweetener for Diabetes Control

Tagatose is a naturally occurring sugar that has caught the attention of researchers for its potential benefits in diabetes management. What makes tagatose an interesting option for diabetics?

Preliminary studies on tagatose have shown promising results:

  • May serve as a potential antidiabetic and antiobesity medication
  • Helps lower blood sugar and insulin response
  • Interferes with the absorption of carbohydrates

A 2018 review of studies concluded that tagatose is “promising as a sweetener without major adverse effects observed.” However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and optimal usage for diabetics.

Should diabetics consider using tagatose as a sugar substitute? While initial findings are promising, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating newer sweeteners like tagatose into your diet. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and diabetes management plan.

Monk Fruit Extract: A Sweet Option with Minimal Glycemic Impact

Monk fruit extract is gaining popularity as a natural sweetener, but how does it compare to other options for diabetics?

Monk fruit extract, derived from the Siraitia grosvenorii fruit, offers several advantages for individuals managing diabetes:

  • Zero calories
  • Does not raise blood sugar levels
  • Contains antioxidants called mogrosides
  • May have anti-inflammatory properties

How can diabetics incorporate monk fruit extract into their diet? Monk fruit extract is available in liquid and powdered forms, making it versatile for use in cooking, baking, and sweetening beverages. However, as with any sweetener, moderation is key.

Is monk fruit extract the best choice for diabetics? While it’s a excellent option, it’s important to remember that no processed sweetener can match the benefits of using fresh whole fruit to sweeten foods. Whole fruits not only provide natural sweetness but also offer essential nutrients and fiber, which can help slow the absorption of sugars.

Date Sugar: A Whole Food Alternative for Diabetics

Date sugar presents an interesting option for individuals with diabetes looking for a less processed sweetener. But what sets date sugar apart from other alternatives?

Date sugar is made from whole dates that are dried and ground into a granular form. While it doesn’t provide fewer calories than regular sugar, it offers several benefits:

  • Contains the fiber of whole dates
  • Provides vitamins and minerals present in dates
  • Has a lower glycemic impact due to its fiber content

How does the fiber in date sugar benefit diabetics? Fiber plays a crucial role in blood sugar management. When calculating carbohydrates for meal planning, diabetics can subtract the grams of fiber from the total carbohydrates to determine net carbs consumed. The more fibrous a food, the lower its impact on blood sugar levels.

Can date sugar be used as a direct substitute for regular sugar? While date sugar can be used in many recipes, it’s important to note that it doesn’t dissolve as readily as refined sugar. It works best in baked goods, sprinkled on cereals, or used in dishes where a slightly grainy texture won’t be noticeable.

The Downsides of Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetics

Artificial sweeteners have long been marketed as suitable for people with diabetes, often labeled as “sugar-free” or “diabetic-friendly.” However, recent research has raised concerns about their impact on blood sugar control and overall health. What are the potential drawbacks of artificial sweeteners for diabetics?

Studies have highlighted several issues associated with artificial sweetener consumption:

  • Interference with the body’s learned taste responses
  • Potential confusion of brain signals, leading to increased appetite and cravings for sweet foods
  • Possible elevation of glucose levels despite being calorie-free
  • Alterations in gut bacteria composition, which may lead to glucose intolerance

A 2016 study found that normal-weight individuals who consumed more artificial sweeteners were more likely to have diabetes than people who were overweight or obese. This counterintuitive finding suggests that artificial sweeteners may have metabolic effects beyond their calorie content.

Should diabetics avoid artificial sweeteners entirely? While more research is needed, these findings suggest that natural alternatives may be a better choice for blood sugar management. Diabetics should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate sweeteners for their individual needs.

Sugar Alcohols: A Middle Ground for Diabetics?

Sugar alcohols, such as erythritol and xylitol, are often used as alternatives to both sugar and artificial sweeteners. But how do they stack up for individuals with diabetes?

Sugar alcohols offer several potential benefits for diabetics:

  • Lower calorie content compared to regular sugar
  • Reduced impact on blood glucose levels
  • Potential benefits for dental health

How do sugar alcohols affect blood sugar? Unlike regular sugar, sugar alcohols are not fully absorbed by the body. This results in a lower glycemic impact, making them a potentially suitable option for individuals managing diabetes.

Are there any drawbacks to using sugar alcohols? While generally considered safe, some people may experience digestive discomfort when consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols. It’s advisable to introduce them gradually into the diet and monitor for any adverse effects.

Which sugar alcohols are best for diabetics? Erythritol is often recommended as it has the lowest calorie content and minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Xylitol is another popular option, but it does have a slightly higher caloric value and glycemic impact compared to erythritol.

Balancing Sweetener Use in a Diabetic Diet

While natural sugar alternatives can be useful tools in managing diabetes, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. How can diabetics incorporate sweeteners into their diet while maintaining good blood sugar control?

Consider the following tips for balanced sweetener use:

  1. Prioritize whole foods: Use fresh fruits as natural sweeteners when possible
  2. Read labels carefully: Be aware of hidden sugars and artificial sweeteners in processed foods
  3. Monitor portion sizes: Even natural sweeteners can affect blood sugar if consumed in large quantities
  4. Combine sweeteners with fiber-rich foods: This can help slow the absorption of sugars
  5. Track blood glucose levels: Regular monitoring can help you understand how different sweeteners affect your body

Is it necessary to completely eliminate sugar from a diabetic diet? While reducing sugar intake is important for blood sugar management, complete elimination is not always necessary or realistic. Working with a registered dietitian can help create a balanced meal plan that incorporates moderate amounts of sweeteners while keeping blood glucose levels in check.

The Role of Glycemic Index in Sweetener Selection

Understanding the glycemic index (GI) of different sweeteners can be helpful for diabetics in making informed choices. The glycemic index measures how quickly a food raises blood glucose levels. How does the GI of natural sweeteners compare to that of regular sugar?

Here’s a comparison of the glycemic index of various sweeteners:

  • Table sugar: 65
  • Honey: 58
  • Coconut sugar: 54
  • Agave nectar: 15
  • Stevia: 0
  • Monk fruit extract: 0
  • Erythritol: 0

What does this mean for diabetics? Sweeteners with a lower GI are generally preferable as they have less impact on blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as nutrient content and overall calorie intake when selecting sweeteners.

Can diabetics use sweeteners with a higher GI occasionally? While lower GI options are generally better for blood sugar control, occasional use of higher GI sweeteners may be acceptable as part of a balanced diet. The key is to monitor portion sizes and balance these foods with other nutrients to minimize blood sugar spikes.

Personalized Approach to Sweetener Selection for Diabetics

Every individual with diabetes may respond differently to various sweeteners. How can diabetics determine the best sweetener options for their specific needs?

Consider the following steps for a personalized approach to sweetener selection:

  1. Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian
  2. Keep a food and blood glucose diary to track responses to different sweeteners
  3. Experiment with small amounts of natural sweeteners and monitor blood sugar reactions
  4. Consider factors such as medication regimen and overall diet when evaluating sweetener options
  5. Be open to adjusting sweetener choices based on individual responses and health goals

Is there a one-size-fits-all solution for sweeteners in diabetes management? Given the complexity of diabetes and individual variations in metabolism, there is no single sweetener that works best for all diabetics. A personalized approach, guided by healthcare professionals and individual experimentation, is often the most effective strategy.

The Future of Sweeteners for Diabetes Management

As research in the field of nutrition and diabetes management continues to evolve, new sweetener options may emerge. What developments can diabetics look forward to in the realm of sugar alternatives?

Some areas of ongoing research include:

  • Development of novel natural sweeteners with minimal glycemic impact
  • Further studies on the long-term effects of existing natural sweeteners
  • Exploration of synergistic effects between different sweeteners
  • Investigation of sweeteners that may have additional health benefits beyond blood sugar control

How can diabetics stay informed about new developments in sweetener research? Regularly consulting with healthcare providers, following reputable diabetes organizations, and staying updated on scientific literature can help individuals with diabetes make informed decisions about incorporating new sweetener options into their diet.

Will artificial sweeteners become obsolete in diabetes management? While natural alternatives are gaining popularity, artificial sweeteners may still have a place in diabetes management for some individuals. The key is to make informed choices based on the latest research and individual health needs.

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.