Artificial sweeteners, are they safe? Sugar is often considered a bane in the diet of diabetics simply because it can cause blood glucose levels to rise. But, since sugar is a popular ingredient of a typical diet, and many people want to have their cake and eat it, they just can’t do without it. Sugar substitutes sound like a resonable alternative, but there are pros and cons.

Artificial Sweeteners – Pros

All things being equal, sugar substitutes have no effect on blood glucose levels. Sugar alternatives provide the same, or almost the same flavor of sweetness that is found in table sugar, but since these are not sugar by nature, they do not have the same consequences sugar has in the body of diabetics. In addition, some artificial sweeteners are metabolized very slowly in the body. Even if these can affect blood glucose levels, the effects take some time to become apparent, so blood glucose levels remain more or less the same.

The problem posed by sugar intake also limits the amount and variety of foods that can be eaten by diabetics. But, with the introduction of artificial sweeteners into the diet, it is easier to eat various types of foods without endangering your health, though small doses of sweeteners are recommended.

It is a different thing though when too much starch, wheat, corn syrup, and other high-carb foods are consumed. This is because once these foods enter the body, they will be broken down into sugars. Also, keep in mind that the use of sugar substitutes does not make you immune to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Sugar-free cookies, for example, may not have sugar but will contain chocolate, flour, and milk which may combine to raise blood sugar levels.

Artificial Sweeteners – Cons

There is no such thing as a free lunch, and artificial sweeteners are no match for a natural diabetes treatment. Constant use of sugar substitutes by a diabetic, and in fact, even by a perfectly healthy person, can lead to a host of unwanted side effects. These include chronic fatigue and persistent headache. It was also noted to contribute to cancer and obesity. It’s worth noting that artificial sweeteners cost a fraction of what natural sweeteners cost, so it’s no wonder the food industry promotes these products heavily.

A good natural treatment for diabetes will require a change in lifestyle, and some changes to your present diet, but the benefits will heavily outweigh what you can obtain with the easier option of taking sugar substitutes.
 
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