The combination of having a sweet tooth and diabetes can be extremely a bad timing. Sweet treats with a huge amount of sugar will increase your blood sugar levels and can pack on the inches of your waistline.

Do you have diabetes but still like to enjoy dessert every now and then? Lucky for you because there are good alternatives you can use to satisfy your sweet tooth without the dangerous carbohydrate associated with sugar. 

What are the Best Sugar Substitutes for Diabetics?

Many artificial sweeteners have been around for many years and are known to be good sugar alternatives for diabetics. They are often calorie-free while presenting a concentrated dose of that sweetness you want. 

The few calories they may have are not completely absorbed by the body. Hence, they will not impact your blood sugar levels. That indicates artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes are the best for dealing with your diabetes. 

Below is a list of some of the best healthy sugar substitutes for diabetics that were approved by the FDA. 

1) Neotame

This is not widely utilized in America yet, but this sugar alternative is very much like Aspartame. In fact, it’s eight thousand times sweeter than sugar! 

Did you know that the basis of this all-natural sugar substitute is the stevia plant? It is typically sold under brand names PureVia, SweetLeaf, and Truvia. Research is still being done on this sugar alternative. However, the FDA agreed to the purified part of the stevia leaf as an additive in food products.

2) Stevia

People who enjoy Stevia report less of an aftertaste than those with other sugar artificial sweeteners. The plant extract is made into a powder that can be consumed just like sugar. On the other hand, the leaves can be used from the plant to sweeten a cup of coffee or tea. 

3) Sucralose

We also have Sucralose! This sweetener is derived from the sugar plant and is currently sold under the brand name Splenda. The good thing about this sugar substitute for diabetics is it’s perfect for baking as well. That means it can be directly replaced with sugar in your favorite baking and dessert recipes. 

4) Saccharin

As you may know, Saccharin is the oldest sugar substitute, marketed as Sweet N’ Low in those tiny pink packets. It was invented in 1879 and was recently associated with cancer risks because it seem like to cause bladder tumor development in lab animals. 

More recent clinical studies have found out that it poses no risk of cancer to people. 

5) Aspartame

You will identify Aspartame in brand names such as Equal and NutraSweet. It is nearly two hundred times sweeter than sugar and is sold in bulk or packets. This sugar substitute for diabetics is considered safe, and professionals haven’t discovered any health risks posed to humans in general. 

6) Dates

Dates do not cause blood sugar or insulin spikes and can be used in different desserts and sweets as an alternative to sugar. Dried dates can be utilized to sweeten desserts through soaking and blending. Diabetics can have unprocessed sweeteners in that ay which is high in nutrients and fiber. 

7) Monk Fruit Extract 

Monk fruit is a melon. The extract from the dried fruit is considered a diabetic-safe sweetener. It’s worth mentioning that the extract is 100 to 250 times sweeter than regular sugar. That makes it an excellent all-natural alternative for beverages, desserts, and sweets.

Fun fact: the Chinese have been consuming monk fruit as a sweetener for many centuries. Desserts such as halwa and kheer can utilize monk fruit extract and taste awesome. Also, it helps in dealing with chronic health problems. 

8) Xylitol

This is another sugar alternative that can be seen in many different fruits. It has forty percent fewer calories than sugar and does not cause any blood sugar spike. Moreover, xylitol is typically utilized as a sweetener in sugar-free toothpaste and chewing gums.

Aside from not causing an increase in a diabetic’s insulin levels, it doesn’t cause tooth decay like sugar does. That makes this a good option for strong teeth and health. Isn’t it amazing? 

9) Coconut Sugar

As the name implies, coconut sugar is made from coconut tree sap and has a low glycemic score. Meaning it won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar. Also referred to as coconut palm sugar, this best sugar alternative is a safe and natural sweetener for diabetics.

The sugar crystals are always golden-brown and mimic a raw sugar. In addition, coconut sugar has zinc, potassium, calcium, iron, as well as fiber, and antioxidants. Consuming this sugar means diabetics can freely enjoy their sweet treats and receive an added boost of minerals. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Natural Sugar Substitutes for Diabetics 

Many people love sweets but trying to cut back on carbohydrates to help control their blood sugar levels. In this case, sugar substitutes and calorie-free sweeteners like the above can help you enjoy your favorite sweet treats without adding carbs that can augment your blood sugar.

Diabetics don’t need to feel left out when desserts and sweets are served. These best sugar substitutes for diabetics make it safe to satisfy any sweet cravings, not to mention friends and family can also cherish the benefits of low-calorie sweeteners. 

So, are they safe? Well, the FDA has approved each of these artificial sweeteners despite some drawbacks. That means they’re 100% safe to consume. Nevertheless, bear in mind that the foods they are in still have calories and carbs, even though these sugar alternatives will not increase your blood sugar levels. 

No matter if you plan to eat foods sweetener with natural sugars or substitutes, remember that keeping a healthy diet and lifestyle is one of the perfect ways to control your diabetes. 

Additional tip: if you like to eat a much healthier diet, a good place to begin is by lowering the number of sweets you take and boost your servings of veggies and fruits.

There you have it! We hope you find this post engaging, informative, and helpful. What are your thoughts about this post? Share your ideas with us by leaving your comments below!