Stevia in Type 2 Diabetes: A Natural Sugar Substitute Without Health Risks
Stevia is a natural sweetener obtained from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana. It contains no calories or carbohydrates and does not raise blood sugar levels, making it an ideal choice for people with type 2 diabetes.
1. Why Is Stevia Beneficial in Diabetes?
✅ Zero glycemic index (GI = 0) — does not affect blood glucose levels.
✅ No carbohydrates or calories — safe for weight control.
✅ Sweet without sugar — 200–300 times sweeter than sucrose, with no harmful effects.
✅ Natural origin — unlike artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or saccharin.
✅ May improve insulin sensitivity — some studies suggest a positive effect on glucose metabolism.
2. How to Use Stevia in Diabetes
Available forms:
Fresh or dried leaves (can be brewed like tea).
Powdered or tablet extracts (convenient for adding to drinks and baking).
Liquid extract (suitable for coffee, porridge, desserts).
Recommended dosage:
1–2 teaspoons of stevia powder ≈ the sweetness of 100–200 g of sugar.
Start with small amounts to check individual tolerance.
What can be sweetened with stevia?
✔ Tea, coffee, compotes
✔ Cottage cheese, yogurts, smoothies
✔ Homemade baked goods (note that stevia does not provide “bulk” like sugar)
3. Possible Drawbacks and Contraindications
❌ Slight bitter aftertaste — not everyone likes it.
❌ Individual intolerance — rare, but allergic reactions are possible.
❌ Laxative effect — with excessive consumption.
❌ Not suitable for fermentation — cannot be used in yeast-based baking (does not fully replace sugar).
4. Stevia vs. Other Sweeteners
| Sweetener | Calories | GI | Effect on Blood Sugar | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevia | 0 | 0 | No effect | Natural |
| Erythritol | 0.2 kcal/g | 0 | No effect | Safe |
| Fructose | 4 kcal/g | 20 | Raises blood sugar | Limited |
| Aspartame | 4 kcal/g | 0 | No effect | Controversial |
Conclusion: Stevia is one of the safest and most beneficial sugar substitutes for people with diabetes.
5. Scientific Evidence
Studies confirm that stevia:
Does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels (Journal of Medicinal Food, 2017).
May lower blood pressure (at higher doses).
Is approved by the WHO and FDA as a safe sweetener.
Conclusion
Stevia is an excellent choice for people with type 2 diabetes who want to reduce sugar intake without harming their health. It does not affect glycemia, contains no calories, and still provides sweetness. However, it is important to choose high-quality extracts without additives (such as maltodextrin).
Before use, it is advisable to consult a doctor, especially if you are taking glucose-lowering medications.