The food industry has come up with a solution for people on diets or with diabetes that have a sweet tooth. They are known as artificial sweeteners and they are used in everything from chewing gum, coffee sweeteners, and even baking. There is some controversy over the use of them as some of them are totally synthetic and others are derived from the actual sugar plant. But to a diabetic who doesn't want to give up on
their favorite pop or chewing gum they can be a life-saver.
The four different kinds of artificial sweeteners are: saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium. Each of these types can be found under various product names and brands. Not all are made the same way and they have different uses.
Some you can buy in liquid or powdered form for baking needs and others like aspartame is only found in foods that you purchase pre-made.
The use of these artificial sweeteners will not raise blood sugar and are safe for a diabetic to use. Care and attention is still needed because the food items you put sugar in or on most likely will have an affect on your blood sugar. Still follow your diabetic diet but use some artificial sweeteners to make it a little sweeter.
Some diabetics may want to use honey as a substitute for sugar. You certainly can make this substitution, however, honey is very similar to sugar in carbohydrate content and the effects it will have on your blood glucose level. It is best to enjoy honey in small moderations if at all.
Aspartame has been linked in some medical studies with Alzheimer's disease. Speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using any of the artificial sweeteners if you have any concerns about the potential health risks.
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