Does Sukyes lower blood sugar levels?

Sukyes Does Not Lower Blood Sugar

Sukyes (sucrose) does not lower blood sugar levels and should not be used as a treatment for diabetes or hyperglycemia. 1 The available evidence from clinical studies demonstrates that dietary sucrose does not increase glycemia more than isocaloric amounts of starch, but it certainly does not lower blood glucose.

Understanding Sukyes (Sucrose) and Blood Glucose

Sukyes, which appears to be a brand or alternative name for sucrose (table sugar), is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose molecules. According to diabetes management guidelines:

• Sucrose does not increase blood glucose levels more than equivalent amounts of starch 1
• It does not have blood glucose-lowering properties 1
• Consumption of sucrose-containing foods does not need to be restricted in people with diabetes solely due to concerns about worsening hyperglycemia 1

Clinical Evidence on Sucrose and Blood Glucose

The American Diabetes Association's position statement clearly indicates that:

1. Dietary sucrose does not increase glycemia more than isocaloric amounts of starch 1
2. When consumed, sucrose should be substituted for other carbohydrate sources in the meal plan or covered with insulin/glucose-lowering medication if added to the meal plan 1

A study comparing diets with and without sucrose in people with diabetes found no significant differences in:

• Fasting plasma glucose levels
• Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
• Mean daily plasma glucose levels
• Diurnal glucose profiles 2

Sweeteners That May Help Lower Blood Glucose

If you're looking for sweeteners that might have a more favorable effect on blood glucose:

1. Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs): FDA-approved non-nutritive sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose are safe for people with diabetes and do not raise blood glucose 1

2. Sugar alcohols (polyols): Erythritol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol produce lower postprandial glucose responses than sucrose or glucose 1. However, they don't significantly reduce total daily energy intake or improve long-term glycemia 1

3. Fructose: When used to replace sucrose or starch, fructose produces a lower postprandial response in people with diabetes. However, this benefit is tempered by concerns about adverse effects on plasma lipids when consumed in large amounts 1

Important Considerations

• Medication for Blood Sugar Control: For lowering blood glucose, FDA-approved medications like pioglitazone have demonstrated efficacy in reducing HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose 3

• Carbohydrate Content: The total amount of carbohydrate in meals or snacks is more important than the source or type for glycemic effects 1

• Caloric Impact: When using any sweetener, be aware of the total caloric content of foods and beverages, as this affects overall glycemic control 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Misconception: Assuming that "natural" sugars like sucrose lower blood glucose - they do not

2. Overconsumption: Using sugar alcohols excessively can cause gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, especially in children 1

3. Ignoring Total Carbohydrates: Focusing on the type of sweetener while ignoring the total carbohydrate content of the diet 1

4. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: People with diabetes should limit or avoid sugar-sweetened beverages from any caloric sweetener to reduce risk for weight gain and worsening of cardiometabolic risk profile 1

For effective blood glucose management, established diabetes medications and proper dietary management remain the cornerstones of therapy, not alternative sweeteners like Sukyes/sucrose.