Diabetes is characterized by the body's inability to manage insulin and blood sugar levels. Because sucrose, or table sugar, directly affects blood sugar, it is not recommended that diabetics include sugar in their diet. Artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes, however, are not processed as carbohydrates and, therefore, do not affect blood sugar levels. Several sugar substitutes have been developed that can be used in place of table sugar.
Equal
Equal is made from aspartame, and is a no-calorie sweetener that does not affect blood sugar levels. Because Equal is 160 to 220 times sweeter than sucrose, it can be used in much smaller amounts than table sugar. Equal can be substituted cup for cup when baking. Although aspartame has been accused of increasing the risk of cancer, studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute have found no connection between artificial sweeteners and cancer.
Splenda
The main ingredient in Splenda is sucralose, a sugar substitute that is made from sucrose. According to Splenda.com, sucrose is broken down to create this low-calorie sugar alternative that is 600 times sweeter than sugar. Although Splenda is marketed as having no calories, it does contain 96 calories and 32 grams of carbohydrates per cup. However, because the body does not process sucralose as a carbohydrate, Splenda does not raise blood sugar levels. It can replace sugar in equal amounts when baking.
Stevia
Stevia is derived from the herb Stevia rebaudiana. This naturally occurring sweetener does not raise blood sugar levels. Stevia is 10 to 15 times sweeter than sucrose and is suitable for baking and cooking. Although Stevia is not FDA approved for use as a sweetener, as of the time of publication, it is approved for use as a dietary supplement and can be found in many natural health food stores and grocery stores. The possible risks associated with Stevia ingestion are still being investigated.
Considerations
Consult your physician before adding artificial sweeteners to your diet. Although they do not raise blood sugar levels, most artificial sweeteners do contain calories and carbohydrates and should be consumed in moderation. Consuming more than the FDA recommended daily amount of sweeteners may pose adverse health risks.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Artificial Sweeteners: Understanding These and Other Sugar Substitutes
- Stevia Rebaudiana: Nature's Sweet Secret; David Richard; 1999
- American Heart Association: Artificial Sweeteners
- Splenda: FAQs
