Diet drinks appear to be a way that diabetics quench their thirst for carbonated sodas without ingesting unwanted sugar or calories. According to "Beverage Digest," in 2009 the top-selling beverages in the country included five diet sodas. Over the past few years, researchers have investigated the effects of artificial sweeteners in diet sodas, which have been linked to elevated blood glucose levels even though sugar is not present. The findings are still out on this debate.
Diet Soda Benefits
To avoid the progression of type 2 diabetes, diabetics must control their blood glucose levels. Preprandial plasma glucose tests are those conducted before a meal and should range between 70 and 130 mg/dl. Postprandial plasma glucose tests are conducted after a meal and should be less than 180 mg/dl. The lack of sugar in diet soda allows diabetics to consume a flavorful beverage without the worry of spiking their blood glucose levels.
Bodily Disturbances
Because diet sodas have a sweet taste, but no calories or sugar, the brain may become confused. This may interrupt the feedback loop between the stomach and the brain, causing it to misinterpret hunger. This may be the link between diet sodas and weight gain.
Aspertame and MSG
Aspartame is a common artificial sweetener found in many diet sodas. In fact, it is used in more than 6,000 foods worldwide. Aspartame is a derivative of phenylalanine and aspartic acid and, when broken down, forms MSG, to which some people may be sensitive. MSG has been linked to heart palpitations, which can cause a stroke, heart attack or cardiac arrest. The leading complication among diabetics is heart disease, which means that your consumption of aspartame should be closely monitored.
Substitutions
Diabetics must keep their plasma glucose levels balanced, which can be done without adding empty calories or excess sugar to their diet. Try flavoring water with a squeeze of juice from an orange for a mid-day snack. Drop a slice of lime and a few cherries into a glass of cold ice water.
Nutritional Facts
Diet soda provides no nutritional value because it contains no vitamins or minerals. On a positive note, it has zero calories, fat and sugar and most have very low sodium, which is beneficial to diabetics actively controlling their blood glucose levels. Clear sodas lack caffeine, which is a natural diuretic, and helps your body use its water content to aid in hydration. Dark or yellow diet sodas contain caffeine, unless labeled otherwise, and elicit diuretic effects.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Checking Your Blood Glucose
- Beverage-Digest: Top 10 CSD REsults for 2009
- "Obesity;" Fueling the Obesity Epidemic? Artificially Sweetened Beverage Use and Long-Term Weight Gain; S. Fowler et al.; August 2008
- Harvard School of Public Health: Sugary Drinks or Diet Drinks: What's the Best Choice?
