Answer:

People with diabetes need to control their blood sugar levels through their diet, which includes limiting sugary drinks. However, you don't necessarily have to avoid zero-sugar soda entirely, but you should understand its ingredients and effects on your health.

Sugar-free sodas often contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame K, which provide sweetness without calories or simple sugars. Theoretically, they don't immediately raise blood sugar levels, but they aren't entirely safe for people with diabetes. Consuming a lot of artificial sweeteners can affect gut microbiota, increase sugar cravings, and indirectly cause blood sugar imbalances. Regularly consuming these drinks can also make you dependent on sweetness, making it harder to control your diet.

Sugar-free soda should be consumed infrequently to avoid raising blood sugar levels. Image generated by AI

People with diabetes can drink sugar-free soda infrequently or as advised by their doctor, for example, a few times a month, to reduce sugar cravings without causing a sudden spike in blood sugar. It shouldn't be consumed daily or as a replacement for water.

Prioritize natural, calorie-free drinks like water, mineral water, unsweetened green tea, herbal tea, diluted lemon juice, or unsweetened fruit juice, especially from fruits with a low glycemic index like guava or grapefruit. Combine this with a diet low in refined carbohydrates, high in vegetables, fiber, and plant-based protein, and regular exercise to effectively manage blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes should have regular check-ups with endocrinologists and nutritionists for advice on controlling blood sugar levels and developing a diet suitable for their health condition. Supplementing with natural extracts like GDL-5 from South American sugarcane, containing natural policosanol, can help regulate blood lipids and prevent cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung

Nutrihome Nutrition Center