Individuals with diabetes often face the challenge of managing their blood glucose levels. Consistently high levels of blood glucose can lead to several complications, including nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye damage.

Insulin resistance also poses a serious health threat that affects the body’s ability to properly regulate blood glucose levels. For people with diabetes, sugar substitutes can be an appealing option as they lack the potential harmful effects of natural sweeteners. Oligothermic sweeteners, in particular, are emerging as a popular alternative to natural sweeteners.

In this article, we will explore the impact of oligothermic sweeteners on blood glucose management and insulin resistance.

What Are Oligothermic Sweeteners?

Oligothermic sweeteners are non-caloric natural sweeteners that are extracted from plants. They contain less than five calories per serving and are known to be at least 40 to 600 times sweeter than table sugar.

These sweeteners have a low glycemic index, which means they do not raise blood glucose levels significantly. They also do not cause a spike in insulin production, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Some of the popular oligothermic sweeteners include stevia, monk fruit extract, and erythritol.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. The plant has been used for centuries to sweeten tea and medicine in South America. Stevia contains glycosides, which are compounds that provide its sweetness.

Glycosides are not fully absorbed by the body and therefore do not contribute to calories or raise blood glucose levels. Some studies have suggested that Stevia may improve insulin sensitivity, a characteristic that could help improve blood glucose management.

Monk Fruit Extract

Monk fruit extract is derived from the flesh of the monk fruit, which is a small green melon-like fruit native to China and Thailand. The extract contains a compound called mogroside, which is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar.

Like stevia, monk fruit extract does not contribute to calories, and therefore does not affect blood glucose levels.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in fruits, such as pears and watermelons. It is also produced by fermenting corn or other carbohydrates.

Erythritol is less sweet than table sugar but is still considered to be a good sweetener alternative. It does not have any calories and, like stevia and monk fruit extract, does not impact blood glucose levels significantly. Erythritol has been shown to have a positive impact on oral health by reducing the risk of dental caries and tooth decay.

Impact on Blood Glucose Management

Oligothermic sweeteners are a popular choice for people with diabetes who are looking for sweetener alternatives that do not raise blood glucose levels.

Several studies have shown that these sweeteners have a low glycemic index and do not cause spikes in blood glucose levels. A study conducted in 2013 that involved individuals with Type 2 diabetes showed that stevia sweeteners led to a decrease in fasting blood glucose levels.

In another study, a group of healthy individuals who consumed an erythritol-sweetened meal showed a slower increase in blood glucose levels compared to those who consumed a meal sweetened with sucrose. The findings suggest that oligothermic sweeteners may have a positive impact on blood glucose management.

Impact on Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to several complications, including Type 2 diabetes.

Studies conducted on oligothermic sweeteners have shown that they do not contribute to insulin resistance. A study published in the Journal of Food Science in 2014 found that erythritol did not cause an increase in insulin levels in healthy individuals.

Another study conducted in 2010 found that stevia sweeteners improved insulin sensitivity in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest that oligothermic sweeteners may help improve insulin resistance, making them a viable option for individuals with diabetes.

Conclusion

Oligothermic sweeteners are non-caloric natural sweeteners that have a low glycemic index and do not contribute to insulin resistance.

They are emerging as a popular alternative to natural sweeteners for people with diabetes who are looking to manage their blood glucose levels. While they may not be suitable for everyone, oligothermic sweeteners appear to have a positive impact on blood glucose management and insulin resistance.

More research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects, but they are generally considered to be a safe and viable alternative to natural sweeteners.