Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetics

Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetics

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.