Sugar For Diabetes: Non-nutritive sweeteners can be used in place of table sugar in diabetes!

Sugar For Diabetes: Non-nutritive sweeteners can be used in place of table sugar in diabetes. This does not have any negative effect on blood sugar levels and also helps in controlling body weight

There is good news for diabetes patients. According to new research, using small amounts of non-nutritive sweeteners instead of sugar in daily beverages like coffee and tea can prevent the increase in blood sugar levels. 

This study conducted by Chennai-based Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) showed that people who used sugar in pellet, liquid, or powder form had a slight improvement in body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index. Dr. V. Mohan, MDRF president and senior diabetes specialist who led the study, said, this helps in improving the diet along with reducing calories.

What did the research reveal?

The study, published in the journal Diabetes Therapy, aimed to find out the effect of using non-nutritive sweeteners sucralose in place of table sugar in coffee/tea among Asians and Indians. In this study, 179 Indians suffering from diabetes were divided into two groups for 12 weeks. One group was given sucralose-based sweetener instead of added sugar in coffee or tea, while the other group continued to use table sugar as before. After 12 weeks, no significant difference was found in blood sugar levels in both groups. However, a slight improvement in body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index was observed in the group using sugar.

Why is this research important?

Last year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned against using table sugar to control body weight. Dr Mohan said this research is very relevant to India as the dietary habits of Indians are quite different from the rest of the world. The use of added sugar in coffee and tea makes these beverages a potential daily source of sugar intake among Indians. Apart from this, total carbohydrate consumption is also very high in India, which increases the risk of diabetes.

What are non-nutritive sweeteners?

Non-nutritive sweeteners are substances that are used to add sweetness to foods and beverages but have little or no calories. Sugar is one popular sweetener.

Disclaimer: Dear reader, thank you for reading this news. This news has been written only to make you aware. We have taken the help of home remedies and general information in writing this. If you read anything related to your health anywhere, then definitely consult a doctor before adopting it.