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Dr Russ Blog - Sweeteners and Diabetes
Sweeteners and Diabetes
Created on 1/20/2012
M sent in a "sweet" question - what's a person with diabetes to do when it comes to artifical sweeteners?
It's a great question, and one that comes up frequently.
The single best way to move forward if you have diabetes is to meet with a nutritionist who is also a diabetes educator - these folks are terrific advisors when it comes to helping you avoid food landmines. And they are very well-versed when it comes to artificial sweeteners.
Artificial sweeteners have been around for a long time, and while they have been researched extensively, questions remain about long-term safety - even though few if any studies have definitively shown harm.
One interesting consideration, however, is that we live in a time where there are many artificial sweeteners available, yet the incidence of overweight and obesity is very high.
Part of the reason for this may be where artificial sweeteners are often found - in highly processed, manufactured foods that generally are not good for us.
One sweetener that may be recommended to people with diabetes is the herbal agent Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). It is strong, so very little is required, and is often combined with the sugar alcohol erythritol. Most data suggest it is safe to use if you have diabetes, though a few studies suggest that stevia might actually lower blood sugar levels - if you are taking medication for diabetes, it's a good idea to monitor your blood sugar when using stevia to be sure it doesn't get too low.
For more information on use of artificial sweeteners in the settig of diabetes, visit this web site from the American Diabetes Association - http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/artificial-sweeteners/. For general information about sweets (not specific to people with diabetes), watch my short VIDEO called "Sweet Talk About Sweeteners" - you can find it on the Harris Teeter web site under yourwellness Videos.
I hope this helps, M. Be well.
Dr. Russ
** Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. **
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