Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetics

The food industry has come up with a solution for people with diabetes that have a sweet tooth.  They are known as Artificial Sweeteners and are used in everything from chewing gums, coffee sweeteners, and even baking.  There is some controversy over the use of them as some of them are totally synthetic and others are derived from plants.  But to a diabetic who doesn’t want to give up on their favourite sweets they can be a life-saver.

The four different kinds of artificial sweeteners are: Saccharin, Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame potassium.  Each of these types can be found under various product names and brands.  Not all are made the same way and they have different uses.  Some you can buy in liquid or powdered form for baking needs and others, like aspartame, is only found in foods that you purchase pre-made. Another type of naturally occurring sugar substitute is Stevia, which is naturally obtained from the Stevia plant.

 The use of these artificial sweeteners will not raise blood sugar and are safe for a diabetic to use.  Care and attention is still needed because the food items in which you put these sweeteners will still have an effect on your blood sugar.  Follow your diabetic diet but use some artificial sweeteners to make it a little sweeter.

Some diabetics may want to use honey as a substitute for sugar.  You certainly can make this substitution, however, honey is very similar to sugar in carbohydrate content and the effects it will have on your blood glucose level.  It is best to enjoy honey in small moderations, if at all.

Aspartame has been linked in some medical studies with Alzheimer’s disease.  Speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using any of the artificial sweeteners if you have any concerns about the potential health risks.

Check your blood glucose levels with Control D regularly to manage your Diabetes.