Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I was recently diagnosed with diabetes. So far, I have cut out all sugar and drastically lowered my carb/starch consumption. So far, I have also kept my blood sugars low enough not to have to go on insulin or other medications. I have been keeping a lot of the foods that I cannot eat anymore out of our home, so that I do not get too tempted, but I miss cookies and pies! If I could find a safe alternative, it would make my family life a lot sweeter! Is stevia safe for someone who has diabetes? How does it work with your blood sugar levels?Answer
The Food and Drug Administration's website states the following regarding Stevia:(GRAS is short for Generally Recognized as Safe.)Stevia leaves are a native product in Brazil and Paraguay. The extract,stevioside, has reportedly been approved for use in foods in Brazil and Japan.Stevioside is reportedly 250-300 timessweeter than sugar and contributes no calories to the diet.With regard to its use in foods, stevia is not an approved food additive nor affirmed as GRAS in the United States.Available toxicological information on stevia is inadequate to demonstrate its safety as a food additive or to affirm its status as GRAS.
The American Diabetes Association's website does not comment on Stevia. However, they do list Saccharin, Aspartame, Acesulfame potassium, and Sucralose under the subject of Low Calorie Sweeteners.
