Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the level of sugar in the blood is too high. It can be dangerous, as if blood sugar is not controlled it can lead to complications with the heart, nerves, kidneys, eyes and feet. One obvious way to improve blood sugar levels is to cut down on the amount of sugar you consume. Artificial sweeteners are products that have been created as a replacement to sugar, as they can sweeten food and drinks without actually containing any sugar.
But this doesn’t actually mean sweeteners are healthy, as they too appear controversial when it comes to their health benefits.
Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or saccharin, have the same sweet taste as sugar, but contain less calories and carbohydrates, according to Dr Zenon Andreou, GP at Zava.
This means that as well as preventing sugar from being absorbed into the blood, you are less likely to put on weight if you choose sweeteners over sugar.
This is important for people with type 2 diabetes as being overweight increases the risk of complications.
“The main positive of non-nutritive sweeteners is that they allow diabetics to enjoy some of their favourite foods without increasing their blood sugar levels, as they pass through the body with minimal absorption,” said Dr Zenon.
Dr Zenon warns, however, that not all sweeteners are calorie free and that they have no other health benefits.
In addition, research has also suggested that people who regularly consume non-nutritive sweeteners may start to find unsweet foods unpalatable.
“This carries the risk that diabetics could turn away from nutritious foods, including fruit, vegetables and pulses, which help them maintain a healthy diet and glucose level, in favour of sweet-tasting snacks and foods.”
So should people with type 2 diabetes swap sugar for sweetener?
“Sugar is a carbohydrate and so it directly affects blood sugar levels, so cutting back on the amount of sugar consumed gives diabetics greater control over their glucose levels, while non-nutritive sweeteners can provide diabetics with a low-calorie alternative for adding a touch of sweetness,” said Dr Zenon.
