The rumors and speculations revolving around diabetes are endless. Here, in this article, we debunk major myths about diabetes and sweeteners.
We think it’s about time to put an end to the longstanding debate about low-calorie sweeteners and their side effects. As consumers become more aware of the possible side effects of consuming an unhealthy amount of processed sugar, they try and find solace in supposedly “healthier” alternatives.
According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, around 25% of children and more than 41% of adults switched to low-calorie sweeteners between the years 2009-2012 alone. The study was published in 2017, and since then, the numbers have grown as people turn to it not only to control the risk of diabetes but also to lose weight.
However, over time, there have been numerous research studies that have rallied against the consumption of low calories sweeteners and soft drinks, especially for those with diabetes type 2 or pre-diabetes. Their premise is that whether low calorie or not, sweeteners break down in the body the same way as normal sugars, increasing blood sugar levels.
A recent study by researchers at Yale has, however, debunked such myths about diabetes. The research proves that low calories sweeteners only drastically affect blood sugar levels when accompanied by carbohydrates. According to the findings of the study, low-calorie drinks don’t have a significant impact on metabolism and are, in fact, beneficial for weight loss, which subsequently reduces the risk of diabetes.
Another common myth is that honey is supposedly a healthier sweetener for those with diabetes and can even prove useful for diabetes reversal. While honey is quite beneficial for the human body, it has the potential to be quite dangerous for people with diabetes.
Honey has a Glycemic index that ranges from 32 to 85. The GI varies with the source, and that determines how harmful or beneficial it can possibly be. Not many are aware of this and can potentially use one with a high GI that can harm one’s health.
Even one that has a low GI can be harmful as besides glucose, honey breaks down fructose, which goes straight to the liver. Consuming excess amounts of fructose can lead to insulin resistance in the body.
Some researchers argue that with controlled intake, one can benefit from the use of honey as it has prebiotics, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, that is again a myth, and those with diabetes can never be too cautious about their diets.
It’s better to stick to what is known, and safe honey is not safe despite what the prevalent myths about diabetes tell you. Low calories sweeteners aren’t as bad as you think provided you don’t consume them with starchy carbohydrates like French fries or pasta.