Appropriate dietary choices and suitable sugar alternatives for those with diabetes
In the ongoing debate about sweeteners and their impact on health, a growing body of evidence suggests that long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners may pose significant risks, particularly for individuals with diabetes and those at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Contrary to popular belief, honey can be consumed by people with diabetes as it is absorbed more slowly by the body compared to sugar. However, it's essential to consume it in moderation, especially for those with diabetes due to its high sugar content.
On the other hand, artificial sweeteners have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes-related metabolic issues and cardiovascular diseases. Some artificial sweeteners have been shown to influence glucose metabolism, potentially contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. This can worsen glycemic control over time in susceptible individuals.
Large epidemiological studies have found significant associations between higher artificial sweetener intake and increased risks of cerebrovascular events (stroke), coronary heart disease, and even stroke and dementia, often linked with diet soda consumption. Acesulfame potassium and sucralose, for instance, have been associated with raised risks of 40% and 31%, respectively, for coronary heart disease.
The potential mechanisms for these effects include negative impacts on blood pressure regulation, adverse changes to lipid metabolism, increased systemic inflammation, and specific sweeteners constricting blood vessels and impairing clotting.
Given these findings, some researchers recommend limiting the consumption of artificial sweeteners, especially products marketed for diabetics. While natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup may pose fewer risks, they should still be used cautiously due to their glycemic impact.
A healthy diet for maintaining stable blood sugar levels includes a stable meal schedule, a healthy eating plan with slow-release carbohydrates, and portion and calorie control for those with excess weight. Fresh vegetables and fruits are essential components of such a diet. Whole grain bread with high fiber content is also beneficial, as are healthy fats from nuts, olive oil, flax seeds, or avocado.
In summary, current high-quality evidence from recent prospective studies and mechanistic research suggests that long-term artificial sweetener consumption can increase the risk of diabetes-related metabolic issues and cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and coronary heart disease. Further long-term randomized trials are needed to establish causality and mechanisms, but the associations warrant caution in use, particularly in individuals at risk for these conditions.
The consumption of honey, while a more gradual release of sugar in the body compared to sugar, should still be moderated by those with diabetes due to its high sugar content. Artificial sweeteners, often linked to diabetes-related metabolic issues and cardiovascular diseases, can influence glucose metabolism and potentially contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
Acesulfame potassium and sucralose, specific artificial sweeteners, have been associated with raised risks of 40% and 31%, respectively, for coronary heart disease. In addition to these risks, artificial sweetener consumption has been connected to increased risks of cerebrovascular events (stroke) and dementia.
While natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup may pose fewer risks, they should still be used cautiously due to their glycemic impact. A healthy diet for managing stable blood sugar levels includes a stable meal schedule, a healthy-eating plan with slow-release carbohydrates, portion and calorie control for those with excess weight, and incorporating fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grain bread with high fiber content, and healthy fats from nuts, olive oil, flax seeds, or avocado.
Given these findings, it is recommended to limit the consumption of artificial sweeteners, especially products marketed for diabetics. This is because current high-quality evidence suggests that long-term artificial sweetener consumption can increase the risk of diabetes-related metabolic issues and cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and coronary heart disease. Further long-term randomized trials are needed to establish causality and mechanisms, but the associations warrant caution in use, particularly in individuals at risk for these conditions.
