Individuals living with diabetes must monitor their sugar intake carefully, particularly with sweetened beverages like soda and iced tea. However, beverages sweetened with stevia, such as the popular brand Zevia, may actually benefit blood sugar levels, making them a preferable choice for diabetics (via Medical News Today).
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), when we consume food or drink, it is converted into sugar and enters the bloodstream. This sugar is then utilized by your cells as fuel. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, allows blood sugar to enter cells. In diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce sufficient insulin or doesn’t use it effectively, resulting in an accumulation of blood sugar in the bloodstream. Prolonged periods of high blood sugar can lead to severe health issues, including nerve damage, kidney disease, stroke, foot problems, and heart disease.
However, not all sugars are created equal. According to Healthline, sodas and other sugary drinks are among the top items for diabetics to avoid. The typical soda can contain 40 grams of sugar, which can rapidly elevate blood sugar levels and provides little nutritional benefit.
The benefits of stevia-sweetened drinks for those with diabetes
Some sodas, such as those sweetened with stevia, are preferable. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from a plant native to North and South America (per Medical News Today). Unlike sugar, it has zero calories and is 150-300 times sweeter than sugar. Both the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have acknowledged that when used appropriately, stevia can be advantageous for individuals with diabetes.
Zevia is a well-known brand offering products like soda, sweet tea, and energy drinks naturally sweetened with stevia (via Zevia). They offer flavors such as cherry cola, cream soda, grapefruit citrus, mango ginger, and passionfruit tea, all with zero grams of added sugar. This means that if you have diabetes and consume a Zevia drink, your blood sugar levels won’t spike.
However, the AHA and ADA warn that diabetics may negate the benefits of consuming stevia-sweetened beverages if they compensate by consuming the saved calories elsewhere in their diet (via Medical News Today). When consumed responsibly, the benefits of stevia for diabetics include blood sugar control, reduced hunger, protection against liver and kidney damage, lower cholesterol, and potential antioxidant properties. In fact, a 2016 study found that stevia leaf powder reduced blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
“`
