Artificial sweeteners, also known as non-nutritive sweeteners, can provide a sweet taste without the same energy intake as sugar, which makes them a popular choice for people with diabetes. Generally, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia do not raise blood sugar levels as they are not carbohydrates. However, they may be present in foods that contain other carbohydrates, so it's important to consider the whole food or drink. Furthermore, some research suggests that regular consumption of artificial sweeteners may affect gut bacteria and insulin sensitivity, though more research is needed to fully understand these effects. As with all foods and drinks, moderation is key.
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2018). "Artificial Sweeteners: Any Effect on Blood Sugar?" Diabetes Forecast. http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2018/01-jan-feb/artificial-sweeteners-any-effect.html
Suez J., Korem T., Zeevi D., et al. (2014). "Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota." Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/nature13793
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