From the Guidelines
The best artificial sweetener for individuals with type 2 diabetes is not explicitly specified, but nonnutritive sweeteners, such as stevia, monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, and allulose, can be used as a replacement for sugar-sweetened products to reduce overall calorie and carbohydrate intake, as long as there is not a compensatory increase of energy intake from other sources 1. When selecting an artificial sweetener, it's essential to consider the individual's personal preferences and needs. Some artificial sweeteners may be more suitable for certain individuals than others.
- Nonnutritive sweeteners have undergone extensive safety evaluation by regulatory agencies and are continually monitored, which can allay unnecessary concern for harm 1.
- Health care professionals should promote water as the healthiest beverage option, but people with overweight or obesity and diabetes may also use a variety of no-calorie or low-calorie sweetened products to avoid feeling deprived 1.
- The use of nonnutritive sweeteners may reduce overall calorie and carbohydrate intake, but it's crucial to avoid compensatory increases in energy intake from other sources 2.
- Individuals with type 2 diabetes should be educated on the glycemic impact of carbohydrate, fat, and protein to optimize mealtime insulin dosing and improve glycemia 2.
- A variety of eating patterns can be considered for the management of type 2 diabetes, and reducing overall carbohydrate intake has demonstrated the most evidence for improving glycemia 2.
- It is also important to note that the FDA has approved many nonnutritive sweeteners for consumption by the general public, including people with diabetes, and these sweeteners can be a useful tool for managing blood sugar levels 1.
From the Research
Artificial Sweeteners for Type 2 Diabetics
The choice of artificial sweetener for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is crucial, as it can impact their blood glucose levels and overall health. Some studies suggest that certain artificial sweeteners may be more beneficial than others for T2D patients.
Benefits of Specific Artificial Sweeteners
- Erythritol has been shown to improve endothelial function and reduce central aortic stiffness in patients with T2D 3.
- Stevia has been found to have no significant effects on blood glucose, HbA1C, insulin, and lipid levels in T2D patients, making it a potential alternative to sucralose 4.
Concerns with Other Artificial Sweeteners
- Aspartame has been linked to an increased risk of weight gain, impaired blood glucose tolerance, and oxidative stress in T2D patients 5.
- The use of artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, acesulfame K, and saccharin has been shown to have no effect on body weight or glycemic control, and may even alter the composition of the gut microbiota and worsen glycemic control 6.
- Some studies have raised concerns about the safety of artificial sweeteners, including the potential risk of cancer and other health problems 7.
Key Considerations
- The effects of artificial sweeteners on T2D patients can vary depending on the specific sweetener and individual factors.
- More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of artificial sweeteners for T2D patients.
- Patients with T2D should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best artificial sweetener for their individual needs.