Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects your body's ability to properly regulate blood sugar. Your body may require a substance called insulin to use blood sugar for energy. Because your body has a difficult time regulating blood sugar, your physician may recommend eating a diet that is low in sugars. For this reason, artificial sweeteners like aspartame have emerged as a sugar-free alternative for diabetics to enjoy sweet foods without affecting their condition.
Significance
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener made up of two amino acids called aspartic acid and methyl ester of phenylalanine. These two amino acids are found in a number of foods, including milk and fruits. Aspartame's chemical structure allows it to taste sweet, yet not impact blood sugar levels like table sugar can. Additionally, aspartame is a low- or no-calorie sweetener, meaning it does not contain the same amount of calories as sugar. This lessens the impact of sweet foods on your blood glucose levels and reduces the risk for weight gain that can worsen your diabetes symptoms.
Misconception
Although aspartame's safety has been extensively studied, controversy exists over its safety for diabetics. Internet myths have called aspartame "especially deadly for diabetics," according to the Joslin Diabetes Center, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. However, these myths are unfounded. "We are unaware of any credible scientific evidence that aspartame is associated with any of the adverse effects noted in the Internet communication," said the Joslin Diabetes Center in an online statement. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has declared aspartame a "generally recognized as safe" food additive.
Benefits
Aspartame can be a beneficial component in your diabetic diet. This is because aspartame allows you to eat the sweet-tasting foods you enjoy without feeling the typical effects of sugar, such as fatigue, confusion or dizziness. Because you must restrict the level of carbohydrates and sugars in your diet, eating foods made with aspartame can help you feel less deprived because you have more food choices to select from.
Considerations
While aspartame itself should not be taken into your overall carbohydrate count for a diabetic diet, remember that does not cancel out the food you are eating entirely. For example, a cookie made with aspartame still contains carbohydrates. Eating aspartame-containing foods in moderation ensures you maintain a healthy weight -- an important aspect of controlling your diabetes.
References
- Joslin Diabetes Center: Correcting Internet Myths About Aspartame
- United States Food and Drug Administration Calorie Control Council: Can People With Diabetes Consume Aspartame?
- MayoClinic.com; Can I Use Artificial Sweeteners If I Have Diabetes?; Dr. Maria Collazo-Clavell; September 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Artificial Sweeteners: Understanding These and Other Sugar Substitutes; October 2010
