Sugar, sweeteners and co.
Use sugar and sugar substitutes rarely
Sweets in moderation and with pleasure
Sugar is not prohibited for people with diabetes. Moderate sugar consumption is acceptable just as it is for people without diabetes.
Sugar provides energy, but has little or no vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Excessive sugar consumption leads to high blood sugar levels and promotes weight gain. The occasional consumption of a small portion of sweets has no health disadvantages.
Sugar
Sugar in pure form (as in fruit juices, lemonades, sugars, sugar in tea/coffee) causes a very rapid and high blood sugar increase. Sugar in "packed" form (as in pastries) causes the blood sugar to rise more slowly. Therefore, sugar in "packed" form is preferable to sugar in its pure form.
Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, rice syrup, coconut blossom sugar and syrup are not healthier alternatives to conventional sugar.
In addition to conventional sugar, there are various sugar substitutes, such as
- Sugar substitutes
- Sweeteners
Sugar substitutes
These include fructose, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, isomalt. These substances contain carbohydrates and therefore have an influence on the blood sugar level. In larger quantities they have a laxative effect.
An exception is the sugar substitute erythritol. Erythritol does not provide energy and has no influence on the blood sugar level.
Sweeteners
These include acesulfame K, aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose, thaumatin, steviol glycosides, neohesperidine DC, neotame, salt of aspartame acesulfame, advantam. These substances are calorie-free and have no influence on the blood sugar level. Sweeteners are suitable for sweetening food and beverages. In the food industry they are used as sweeteners for sugar-free products (e.g. "light" lemonades).
Sugar substitutes (with the exception of erythritol) have no advantages over conventional sugar. Sweeteners and erythritol, on the other hand, have no effect on the blood sugar level, but their careful use is nevertheless advisable.
Reduction of the consumption of sweet foods and beverages sensitizes the sweet taste perception. This automatically results in a lower consumption of sweet foods and beverages, which is beneficial to health.
Special foods for people with diabetes are not recommended. These products are often more expensive and richer in fat than conventional products and/or contain sugar substitutes.
Consume sweets in moderation, but with pleasure.
Use sugar and sugar substitutes sparingly.