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Natural Alternative Sweeteners and Diabetes Management

Current Diabetes Reports volume 19, Article number: 142 (2019) Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The goal of this review is to discuss the data on natural alternative sweeteners and their effects on glucose homeostasis and other metabolic parameters within the past five years. We sought to answer whether common natural alternative sweeteners have a positive or negative effect on glucose control in both human and animal models, and whether the data supports their widespread use as a tool to help reduce the prevalence of diabetes and associated comorbid conditions.

Recent Findings

Recent studies suggest that natural alternative sweeteners may reduce hyperglycemia, improve lipid metabolism, and have antioxidant effects particularly in those that have baseline diabetes.

Summary

Diabetes and metabolic syndrome have become a global healthcare crisis and the sugar overconsumption plays a major role. The use of artificial sweeteners has become more prevalent to improve insulin resistance in those with diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, although the evidence does not support this result. There are however some promising data to suggest that natural alternative sweeteners may be a better alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33146, USA

    Emily Mejia

  2. Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Miami Health Systems, Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Michelle Pearlman

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  1. Emily Mejia
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Correspondence to Michelle Pearlman.

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Emily Mejia and Dr. Michelle Pearlman declare that they have no conflict of interests.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Lifestyle Management to Reduce Diabetes/Cardiovascular Risk

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Mejia, E., Pearlman, M. Natural Alternative Sweeteners and Diabetes Management. Curr Diab Rep 19, 142 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-019-1273-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-019-1273-8

Keywords

  • Natural alternative sweeteners
  • Diabetes
  • Stevia
  • Sugar alcohols
  • Rare sugars