Sweeteners???

SHIBOLETHDUDE · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 01:55 AM

I have heard so many bad things about non-sugar sweeteners... does anybody have any information on which non-sugar sweeteners are best for diabetics?

Is drinking diet soda ok? My wife has been buying stuff with Splenda. As soon as I was diagnosed I quit drinking regular soda pop (Dr. Pepper

) which is my one true vice. I don't really like diet pop, so I drink a lot less of it. One can usually satisfies my pop craving.

Any info on which sweeteners are best would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

DonnieD · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 03:56 AM

It's natural to be cynical of artificial sweetener industry .... they haven't had a great track record ..... I believe that the studies on Splenda have been encouraging (safe so far) ...... my approach is to use in moderation, and verify ..... keep on top of the latest information, bring it up with my nutritionist/doctor periodically.

As far as diet soda .... watch the caffeine that comes along with it .... and also, it's got a tendency to drive hunger sensations.

DeusXM · #3 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 04:07 AM

Pretty much all artificial sweeteners are safe, with the possible exception of saccharine which isn't really used anymore.

One thing you should be aware of is that bulk sweeteners (AKA sugar alcohols) can still affect your blood sugar. However, these aren't used in soft drinks - they're used more in toothpaste, gum and 'diabetic' sweets.

Be aware that if you also have PKA, you shouldn't eat anything with aspartame in it.

kgm0612 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 06:30 AM

I use artificial sweetener on a daily basis. I prefer Equal, but will use Splenda when that's the only one available. I do find that it effects my blood sugar a bit, especially in the morning when I have it in my coffee.

Karen

Jaclyn · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 07:51 AM

Diet Dr Pepper is great! I drink it everyday. It taste just like regular D.P.

rzrbks · #6 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Be aware that if you also have PKA, you shouldn't eat anything with aspartame in it.

Parakart Association?

Portland Karting Association

Percieved Kinkiness Awareness

Pratul K. Agarwal

Professional Karate Association

DeusXM · #7 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 09:27 AM

Ooops, sorry, PKU.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylketonuria

rzrbks · #8 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 10:14 AM

Thank you.

SHIBOLETHDUDE · #9 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 10:55 AM

Thanks for the PKU definition. I have found myself reading some of the posts on here and going "what the heck are they talking about". I am sure I will learn the lingo eventually.

Also... thanks for all the information on sweeteners. I feel a little more at ease. Wonderful news that I can still have my Dr. Pepper (even if it is diet)

Wes

jared · #10 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 11:23 AM

I learn something new everyday. I never heard of Phenylketonuria
Until today. Thanks for the enlightenment

Keezheekoni · #11 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 11:52 AM

PKU is one of the first tests they do on newborn babies. You know the test where they lance the baby's foot and fill in the five circles on the paper? That used to be just for PKU...now that test does a lot more as well, but it's still mainly for PKU.

pam · #12 (**permalink**) 08-12-2006, 10:45 AM

I was an Aspartame junkie. First had it back in the late 70's when Crystal Light first came out and had been using it up until 2 years ago, when I discovered Splenda.

I never had a single side effect from Aspartame, but find some products with Splenda have a bad aftertaste, particularly Mt. Olive pickle relish. I'd rather have the real stuff with 2 grams of sugar in an entire tablespoon (I only have a teaspoon anyway).

Supposedly the Wal-Mart equivalent of Splenda is just as safe and made from the same ingredients with the same process, only cheaper.

Stuboy · #13 (**permalink**) 08-12-2006, 10:53 AM

you could also try the new range of drinks... Zero, they do a Dr Pepper Zero too which is what i drink... doesn't seem to affect my bs...

I use canderelle sweeteners in my tea.

SHIBOLETHDUDE · #14 (**permalink**) 08-17-2006, 10:19 PM

I must say that Diabetes is a WONDERUL MOTIVATION... My wife tried for years to get me to drink diet soda pop... but I wouldn't listen to her...

. Now that I have been diagnosed with type 2, I am all motivated to lose weight, eat right and YES... DRINK DIET POP.

I really like Diet Dr. Pepper and Diet Mountain Dew. I hate coke products... and believe it or not... I have even gotten to where I can enjoy a Diet Coke (but it has to be on ice... the colder the better)

So... as sad as the news is that I was diagnosed with diabetes, it has really been a good thing for me. In the last 2 weeks I have already lost 8Lbs due to increased exercise and watching my diet. So... Not everything is bad

Wes

Keezheekoni · #15 (**permalink**) 08-17-2006, 11:25 PM

Glad to hear that you've lost some weight and are drinking diet sodas now.

Good on you!

I really like the Diet Coke made with Splenda. I really don't like the taste of aspartame. However, Diet Dr. Pepper, IMHO tastes better than regular Dr. Pepper... go figure.