Healthy Sugar Alternatives for Diabetes

If you have diabetes, your doctor has probably told you that sugar is a no-no for the most part. Even artificial sweeteners are not good for your condition as they still alter metabolic pathways. However, there are two healthy and natural alternatives that you may actually like if you have a sweet tooth.

What is a Sugar Alternative?

A sugar alternative or substitute is a food additive that provides a sweet taste like sugar with substantially less calories. Some sugar alternatives are produced synthetically like acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, and sucralose. You may know them better as Sunett, Equal or NutraSweet, Newtame, Sweet ‘N Low, and Splenda. The more popular natural substitutes include honey, maple syrup, molasses, and coconut sugar. Most of these have been recommended by the American Diabetes Association as a replacement for sugar to combat diabetes, as well as other metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, it may not be the best recommendation as they are still high in sugar.

The sweet taste of both artificial, as well as other sweeteners that still contain sugar, will unfortunately increase your appetite for sugar significantly. Additionally, synthetic chemical sweeteners alter the microbiome negatively as they kill off good gut bacteria which can set the stage for full-blown diabetes. Though natural sweeteners may contain a few more nutrients than regular sugar, the body still metabolizes them the same way as sugar which can contribute to diabetes.

​However, there are two healthy sugar alternatives that are actually diabetic-friendly. They include stevia and monk fruit because they sweeten foods and drinks without the harmful effects of artificial sweeteners and natural sugars. In their pure forms, stevia and monk fruit don’t impact blood sugar. Plus, they will provide you with the sweetness you crave without increasing appetite.

​Stevia Substitute for Diabetes

​Used for more than 1,500 years, the indigenous people of South America regard the stevia plant as medicinal and a sweet treat for their tea. Depending on the specific stevia compound, the plant’s extract is about 150 to 300 times sweeter on average than table sugar. Yet, it has no calories.

To date, there are more than 700 studies regarding stevia’s positive impact on health. Medicinal properties in the stevia plant improve cholesterol levels, lower high blood pressure, and treat cancer.

If you have a sweet tooth, stevia is a healthy alternative to sugar. When choosing stevia, opt for green leaf stevia as it is the least processed of all the stevia types. Your second option would be stevia extract as it seems to be on par with its unprocessed counterpart of green leaf stevia. Stay away from altered stevia blends that contain chemical solvents like acetonitrile, which is toxic to the central nervous system and a genetically modified corn derivative called erythritol.

You may have to try different brands and doses to find the one you like most. Stevia can have a bad aftertaste if you use too much. Remember that stevia 150 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, so you only need to use a smidgen for the same sweetness. Just start with a smaller dose and increase it until you find your preferred sweetness. Stevia comes in liquid and powder form. Protocol for Life Balance® provides both forms with a good taste. 

• Protocol for Life Balance® Stevia Liquid Extract
• Protocol for Life Balance® Stevia Extract

​Monk Fruit Sweetener for Diabetes

​Monk fruit extract comes from the monk fruit, a melon-like fruit that grows on a vine in parts of China and Thailand. It is also known as luo han guo, passion fruit, and kiwi dragon. The sweetener is made by juicing the fruit and processing it into crystal form. Like stevia, its sweetness is powerful and can taste about 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar and has zero calories.

In addition to its magical sweetening powers, monk fruit has been regarded as a longevity fruit due to its high antioxidants called mogrosides which help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and treat cancer.

Monk fruit doesn’t have the bitter aftertaste that stevia can have. However, its sweetness is quite intense. Like stevia, you may want to start off with very small amounts and increase it to your liking.

Experiment... 

Because diabetics don’t have enough insulin in the body to regulate blood sugar levels, it’s important for them to limit their sugar intake. If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, choose a healthy sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit which eliminate the negative side effects of other synthetic or natural sugar substitutes. In fact, stevia and monk fruit have zero calories and provide a plethora of health benefits. Experiment and try both to see which you like better.

*** You may also want to read Sugar Causes Insulin Resistance and Chronic Diseases.

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About Dr. Abby Campbell

Abby Campbell is a naturopathic doctor and master herbalist. Her expertise is in preventative therapy, as well as detox and nutrition. She has undergone extensive training in women's health, including hormone and autoimmune therapy. Also certified as a fitness and sports nutritionist, she has had much success in the field of weight loss management. On top of all that, Abby is a professional researcher and writing. She is also the founder of Natural Health Solutions 365 and 911 Body ResQ. You may read more about her at AbbyCampbellOnline.com. ​​​