Reducing your intake
Because the low-calorie sweeteners used in diet soda and other reduced-calorie products may influence weight, blood glucose control, and kidney function in ways we do not yet fully understand, consumers with diabetes or prediabetes may want to consider limiting their consumption. More research will undoubtedly be conducted to explore the role of low-calorie sweeteners in weight control, development of Type 2 diabetes, and diabetes management, possibly leading to revised safety guidelines.
In the meantime, people with diabetes need not feel they are left with water, fruit juice, or regular soda as their only cold-drink options. Here are some suggestions for creating flavorful but low-calorie drinks that contain little or no artificial sweeteners:
- Dilute your favorite diet soda with seltzer to decrease the amount of artificial sweetener you consume.
- Add small amounts of fruit juice or cider to plain water or seltzer for a lightly flavored drink.
- Try flavored seltzer garnished with a wedge of lemon, lime, or orange.
- Add slightly crushed fresh mint to iced herbal tea.
- For a refreshing drink, place 1 cup of peeled, seeded cucumber and 1/4 cup of honeydew melon in a juicer, blender, or food processor and purée.
Also in this article:
Amounts of Sweeteners in Popular Diet Sodas
