People who suffer from diabetes often turn to sugar substitutes so that they can enjoy sweets without damaging their blood sugar levels and, in some cases, consume fewer calories and better manage their weight. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, artificial sweeteners are chemicals or natural compounds that provide sweet flavor and fewer calories. A variety of sugar substitutes are approved and available to those who have diabetes. Blood sugar levels can be affected by artificial sweeteners, however, so they should be used moderately and with caution.
Aspartame
Aspartame is a non-caloric sweetener found in various sugar-free foods, granulated sweetener packets and calorie-reduced beverages. According to Catherine Field, a professor at the University of Alberta, aspartame is made by combining aspartic acid and phenylalanine, two amino acids found naturally in various foods. Aspartame is safe for anyone to consume, except for those who suffer from a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have diabetes but not PKU, you can enjoy a maximum of 50 mg of aspartame, the equivalent of 18 or more diet soft drinks, in a given day, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can be used as a sweetener, but generally for cooking or baking.
Saccharin
Saccharin is a non-caloric artificial sweetener than is found in various sugar-free foods and can be used as a sweetener in cooking. Though it is known to carry a bitter aftertaste for some, up to 5 mg per day can be safely consumed for those who have diabetes, the amount found in nine to 12 packets of saccharin-based granulated sweeteners. According to the American Diabetes Association, saccharin is 200 to 700 sweeter than cane sugar, so if you use it, do so sparingly.
Sucralose
Sucralose is a newer artificial sweetener that is extracted from sugar. It also contains no calories and holds no nutritional value. Five milligrams per day is considered safe for consumption, the amount found in 70 oz. of diet soda. Sucralose is known to provide a more natural sweet taste than other artificial sweeteners but is also far sweeter than cane sugar. It can be used in packet form and also in baking, though, in general, lesser amounts are needed. If you are going to bake with sucralose, follow the instructions on the packaging or consider using half the amount of sugar called for in standard recipes. Brown sugar and white sugar varieties are available in most grocery stores.
