Diabetes Sugar Substitutes
If x+y=14 and y equals 5 then x can be substituted with the number 9. In Math, substitution is not a new concept; most of us have been using substitution and related procedures since grade school. However, when it comes to food and nutrition, it can take a bit more thought and intentionality for things to be fair exchanges. When you have Diabetes, becoming an innovative cook requires a bit of planning. But thanks to the plethora of food choices available, it is much easier now than it has ever been to replace foods high in salt, sugar or fats. However, finding the best diabetic sugar substitute for the drink, dish or dessert you are having may still be a trial and error process—but least you have several options.
Before getting started in the diabetic sugar substitute’s process, it may help to have a better understanding of assorted types of sugar being used in what you eat. Other names for sugar are sucrose, dextrose, fructose, glucose (other words ending in “ose’), cane syrup, molasses, and high fructose corn syrup. These sugar forms—fructose, sucrose, and corn syrups—are especially found in popsicles, carbonated drinks, juices and other desserts. As a diabetic, limiting your sugar intake is recommended. There are some diabetic doctors who believe that eliminating sugar completely-as was commonly encouraged by the American Diabetes Association until 1993—is more efficient in lowering blood glucose levels than by using Diabetes sugar substitutes.
Today there are wide assortments of products available that are made with Diabetes sugar substitutes. These sugar substitutes for Diabetes make it possible to enjoy sweet flavor without adding any significant carbohydrates to your diet nor will they raise your blood glucose levels. Nevertheless, in foods such as dairy products, you need to pay attention to the amount of natural sugars like lactose. However, when it comes to making homemade sweets like cakes, pies and puddings, these Diabetes friendly sugar substitutes are perfect.
|
Diabetes Sugar Substitute |
Description |
Use |
| Splenda (Sucralose) | A non caloric sweetener made from table sugar | Cooking and baking |
| Sweet One/ Sunsett (acesulfame K) | A non-caloric sweetener almost 200x sweeter than sucrose | Cooking and baking |
| Sweet-n-Low (Saccharin) | This diabetic sugar substitute is 300x sweeter than sugar | Liquids—it cannot be heated as it becomes bitter |
| Nutrasweet Equal (aspartame) | A low calorie sugar substitute that is about 180x sweeter than sucrose | Cannot be used in cooking as it breaks down; however, it is great for drinks, dairy and other cold items |
| Stevia | Sold around the world; it is 300x sweeter than the average sugar. In the United States, it is only sold in health food stores. | Cooking and baking |
Because of the sweetness of the sugar substitutes, diabetics will be wise to pay attention to the amount of sugar substitute used in a dish. To become better acquainted with cooking with Diabetes sugar substitutes, go to your local library for a selection of Diabetes friendly cookbooks or check out Diabetes conscious websites to find recipes that are as pleasing to the palette as they are healthy for the body. Before you know it, you will not miss the “real” sugar!
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