Can individuals with high blood sugar consume artificial sweeteners?
Disease description:
A classmate was recently diagnosed with diabetes and found to have elevated blood glucose levels. It is suggested that he consume some sugar substitutes. Can individuals with high blood glucose safely consume sugar substitutes?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Individuals with hyperglycemia may moderately consume certain sugar substitutes. Sugar substitutes are intermediate metabolites in the body’s carbohydrate metabolism that impart sweetness without causing a significant rise in blood glucose levels. Although sugar substitutes do not elevate blood glucose, replacing natural sugars with them offers minimal therapeutic benefit for obesity and diabetes. Excessive intake of sugar substitutes can trigger excessive insulin secretion upon perception of sweetness. Chronic stimulation in this manner reduces insulin sensitivity, thereby impairing fat breakdown and promoting fat synthesis—ultimately hindering the prevention and management of obesity and diabetes.
