Statistics suggest that there were 537 million adults suffering from diabetes in 2021 and is predicted to rise to 643 million by 2030. These statistics are eye-catching. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused due to increase in blood glucose levels. These levels spike due to sugar intake, which consists of glucose and fructose.

How about taking an alternative path to eliminate the rise in glucose levels due to sugar consumption? If we speak about sugar alternatives like calcon, stevilite natural sweetener, etc., do they help manage diabetes? 

Let’s get answers to these questions and information about sugar-free sugar for diabetes in this blog.

What are sugar alternatives?

Sugar alternatives are food additives that indulge a sweet taste like that of sugar. They significantly contain less food energy in terms of calories, than other sugar-based sweeteners. This makes them zero-calorie (non-nutritive) or low-calorie sweeteners. 

The sugar alternatives may be natural or synthetic and are available in various forms like sugar-free sachets, pills, powders, etc. There are various sugar alternatives like aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, cyclamate, sugar alcohols, etc. These sugars add taste without adding calories.

Are sugar-free sugars safe for diabetic people?

Sugar substitutes have no effect on blood glucose levels. The majority of artificial sweeteners are classified as “free foods.” Free foods contain fewer than 20 calories and no more than 5 grams of carbohydrates, and they are not counted as calories or carbohydrates on a diabetes exchange.

FDA has recognized limits for every sugar substitute.

1. Sugar-free sugar: Less than 0.5 grams of sugar of natural or added sugar.
2. No sugar added:  No added sugar or sugar-containing ingredient during processing or packaging, but may contain natural and artificial sweeteners.
3. Reduced sugar: Contains 25% less sugar than the original one. 

Sugar-free sugars are safe for people with diabetes and can be used to reduce calorie and carbohydrate intake. This also helps to curb the cravings that an individual may have to eat sweets.

Types of sugar-free sugars for diabetics at MB Sugars

1. Calcon

The main ingredient here is sucralose, which is the world’s most commonly used sugar alternative. It is a chlorinated sugar that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as a general-purpose sweetener and set an ADI of 5mg/kg of body weight. It can be used in beverages, frozen desserts, baked goods, and other foods.

Sucralose is combined with dextrose and maltodextrin. Sucralose is calorie-free, but as it is mixed with the other two components, the calorie count is usually 3.36 calories per gram. It is said to have little or no effects on blood sugar levels and insulin levels in a diabetic individual. FDA considers calcon to be a safe alternative to sugar.

Sucralose is used in place of or in conjunction with other artificial or natural sweeteners, such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and high-fructose corn syrup. It does not promote tooth decay, is safe for diabetics and non-diabetics to consume, and has no effect on insulin levels.

2. Stevilite Natural Sweetener

This very sugar is extracted from the stevia leaf and is a completely natural sugar-free sugar alternative. The active ingredients are steviol glycosides, which are approximately 50 to 300 times as sweet as sugar, are heat- and pH-stable, and are not fermentable. 

The human body cannot metabolize the glycosides in stevia, so this nonnutritive sweetener contains zero calories. Stevia is used as a substitute for sugar in sugar- and calorie-reduced food and beverage products. It contains no calories and does not affect blood sugar levels. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) sweeteners made from high-purity steviol glycosides (GRAS). According to the FDA, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of stevia is 4 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight.

Final thoughts

The sugar alternatives are best suited for diabetic and calorie-conscious people. Try stevia if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. According to current research, this alternative sweetener is one of your best options. It is well-known for its anti-diabetic properties and ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

MB Sugars manufactures natural sugar alternatives with utmost care and zero contamination. Many individuals with diabetes must avoid or restrict sugary foods. Low-calorie sweeteners like Calcon and Stevilite natural sweeteners, allow diabetics to enjoy a sweet treat occasionally without affecting their blood sugar levels.

So enjoy sweetness!