Fact or Fiction? Artificial Sweeteners Are Completely Safe for People with Diabetes
Welcome to October where we are focused on Diabetes: Fact vs Fiction.
We often hear that artificial sweeteners are a great alternative to sugar for managing diabetes. But is this really a fact or fiction?
Why It’s Important
Artificial sweeteners are marketed as a way for diabetics to enjoy sweetness without affecting blood sugar. However, long-term use of these sweeteners can have unintended effects, and it's important to understand the full picture before regularly incorporating them into your diet.
The Real Risk
While artificial sweeteners don’t directly raise blood sugar, studies have shown that they may disrupt gut bacteria, lead to insulin resistance, and increase cravings for sugary foods. This could potentially affect your blood sugar levels and overall health over time. Believing they're a completely risk-free option may lead to overuse.
The Facts
According to research published by Harvard Health, some artificial sweeteners can negatively impact gut microbiota, which may play a role in insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. It’s important to use them in moderation and not as a primary method for managing diabetes.
Dr. Cheryl's Holistic Diabetes Self-Care Tip
Opt for natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, which have minimal impact on your blood sugar and are less likely to affect your gut health. Additionally, I recommend begin reducing your overall desire for sweet foods by focusing on nutrient-dense, flavourful meals.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Ac., C.H., RDH
Dr. Holistic Studies, Dr. Acupuncture
Diabetes Wellness Strategist & Coach
Creator & CEO of Holistic Diabetes Solutions
8 X International Best-Selling Author
As a woman living with diabetes for over 30 years, Dr. Cheryl understands the journey firsthand. When she was diagnosed, she received the same outdated advice her grandmother was given for over four decades, who relied primarily on medication, suffered from deteriorating health and eventually lost her life to diabetes. Fueled by this experience, Dr. Cheryl was compelled to seek a better way. Through countless research studies and trials, she developed the winning holistic approach: the Diabetes Success System which merges traditional wisdom with today’s best holistic self-care practices. It has revolutionized diabetes management by providing a trusted way to maintain consistent and predictable healthy blood sugar levels. Join the thousands of people worldwide who have been empowered by Dr. Cheryl's approach and start living your healthiest life.
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PROFESSIONAL DISCLAIMER
The material and content contained in this platform is for overall general diabetes health and education information only. It is not intended to constitute medical advice or to be a substitution for professional medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. All specific medical questions or changes you make to your medication and/or lifestyle should be discussed and addressed with your primary healthcare provider. Having the right mindset, doing the right movements at the right times of day, and eating foods that help keep blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation manageable can dramatically reduce your risk of the all-too-common complications of Diabetes, increase your energy levels and have you feeling your best every day.