But how safe are these new bites really? Can the use of artificial sweeteners and the removal of sucrose from ingredients make Gaz a healthy option for diabetics? Or are there hidden sugars and unseen metabolic effects behind being "sugar free" that need to be carefully addressed? What is a sugar-free snack? Gaz without sugar is one of the sweet and popular products that is produced with the aim of responding to the needs of people with diabetes, those who follow a low-sugar diet or are interested in a healthy lifestyle. This type of Gaz is similar in appearance and even in many cases in taste to ordinary Gaz, but the main difference is in the way of sweetening. While traditional gaz is made using glucose, honey or sugar, sugar-free gaz uses artificial or natural alternative sweeteners to prevent blood sugar spikes. It should be noted that the term "sugar free" may be misleading to many. This term in the food industry usually means the removal of added sugar or sucrose, but it does not necessarily mean that the product does not contain any sugar or carbohydrates. Some alternative sweeteners may still be converted to sugar in the body or have a relatively high glycemic index (GI). The difference between sugar-free and normal sugar The main difference between dietary Gaz and traditional Gaz is **type of sweeteners** and **their effect on blood sugar**. In regular Gaz, ingredients such as white sugar, liquid glucose, and sometimes honey are used for sweet taste, which directly affect blood glucose levels and are not suitable for diabetics or those with insulin resistance. But in sugar-free Gaz, instead of sugar, sweeteners are used that either have very few calories or are not absorbed by the body at all. These substances are designed with the aim of not increasing blood sugar and are different from sugar in terms of digestion, absorption and metabolism. As a result, sugar-free gazelle usually has a lower glycemic index and is considered more suitable for controlling blood sugar. But this difference does not mean its free and unrestricted consumption, because some alternatives may have digestive complications or cause negative effects if consumed in excess. Effect of sugar-free juice on blood sugar With the increase in the prevalence of diabetes in the world, the use of sugar-free food products, especially diet sweets such as sugar-free Gaz, has become very common. But are these products really safe for blood sugar control? Scientific studies on the effect of sweeteners on blood glucose In recent decades, with the increasing growth of diabetes worldwide, researchers have focused on investigating the effect of artificial and natural sweeteners on blood sugar. One of the most important goals of these studies is to find a safe substitute for sugar in the diet of people with diabetes. The results of many of these studies have shown that some sweeteners such as Stevia, Erythritol, and Sucralose have almost no direct effect on blood sugar and are safe for diabetic patients if used sensibly. For example, a study published in the journal *Diabetes Care* in 2016 showed that daily consumption of stevia by people with type 2 diabetes not only does not increase blood glucose levels, but may in some cases cause **improvement of insulin sensitivity**. Also, in another study, it was found that **aspartame** and **sucralose** do not have a direct effect on insulin or blood glucose levels, but in some people they can cause indirect effects on metabolism by **changes in intestinal bacteria**. In general, the results of these studies indicate that artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols do not cause problems for diabetic patients if they are consumed in **appropriate amounts and under the supervision of a doctor**. But the type of sweetener, the amount of consumption, the health status of the person and the lifestyle are all factors that can affect the final result. Glycemic index (GI) of different sweeteners Glycemic Index (GI) is one of the scientific criteria for measuring the effect of food on blood sugar level. The GI number is determined between 0 and 100; The higher this number, the faster and more intense the food increases blood sugar. For diabetics, choosing foods with low GI plays an important role in controlling the disease. Compared to white sugar, which has a GI of about 65, and glucose, which has a GI of 100, sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, and aspartame have a GI of zero. This means that they do not cause blood sugar spikes at all. Other sweeteners such as xylitol (GI about 13) and sorbitol (GI about 9) also fall into the low GI category, but can still have a mild effect on blood sugar. It is important to note that the sweetness of a substance is not the criterion for evaluating it, but the way it is absorbed and metabolized in the body is the real determinant of its effect on blood sugar. In making sugar-free smoothies, choosing a sweetener with zero or near zero GI, especially when combined with nuts or fat-containing ingredients, can minimize the glycemic impact. The body reaction of diabetics to the use of artificial sweeteners Although sugar-free sweeteners have been reported to be safe in most studies, diabetics' reactions to these substances may vary. These reactions depend on several factors, including the type of diabetes, the condition of the liver and kidneys, the gut microbiome, the type of diet and even the individual's genetics. For example, in type 1 diabetes, the body completely lacks insulin and blood sugar control requires regular injections of insulin. In this case, any substance that contains carbohydrates or convertible calories—even if low—should be included in the daily insulin calculation. In type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with insulin resistance, the use of sugar-free sweeteners may be effective in better glucose control, provided they are used in moderation. Some people experience bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, or fullness after consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols such as xylitol or sorbitol. These gastrointestinal complications may be bothersome for some patients and affect their quality of life. Also, some preliminary animal studies have shown that long-term consumption of certain artificial sweeteners may cause changes in the gut microbiome, which in turn can affect glucose metabolism. Of course, human evidence in this field is still not conclusive. On the other hand, the psychological aspect of using "sugar-free" foods is also important. Some people with diabetes, thinking that these products are harmless, consume large amounts of them, which leads to excessive intake of calories or other carbohydrates. This phenomenon can lead to an increase in blood sugar or excess weight, both of which are dangerous for a diabetic person. Is the consumption of sugar-free Gaz recommended for diabetics? The general answer of most experts to this question is: "Yes, but carefully and in a controlled manner." Doctors believe that sugar-free snacks can be part of a diabetic patient's controlled diet if safe and approved sweeteners such as stevia, sucralose, aspartame, or erythritol are used. These types of snacks, unlike traditional snacks that are full of glucose or white sugar, have a lower impact on blood sugar and, in most cases, have a low glycemic index. But experts emphasize that the term "sugar-free" should not give the wrong impression that the product is completely harmless. Some sugar-free snacks may contain other high-calorie ingredients, starches, or saturated fats that, if consumed in excess, can lead to weight gain or blood sugar fluctuations. Also, the quality of the sweetener, the manufacturer's brand and the amount of consumption have a great effect on the final health of the product. In general, doctors recommend that diabetics should choose sugar-free versions if they are interested in consuming gaz, but carefully read the product label, control the amount of consumption, and replace it with other sources of carbohydrates in their diet. allowed amount of daily consumption of sugar-free sugar One of the important issues that must be observed in the consumption of any type of sweet food, even in its diet versions, is the amount of daily consumption. Even the healthiest sweeteners can lead to digestive problems or even metabolic fluctuations if consumed excessively. According to the opinion of most nutritionists, for diabetics, the appropriate amount of sugar-free sugar consumption is between 20 and 30 grams per day; It means equivalent to one to two pieces depending on its size and composition. This amount is roughly equivalent to a small serving of sweets that can be consumed as a snack, preferably after main meals and with protein or fiber to slow absorption. Of course, this amount varies depending on the individual's health status, physical activity level, medication or insulin use, and other dietary components. For example, a person who controls their diabetes with exercise and diet may have a higher tolerance for eating small amounts of sweets. On the other hand, someone with uncontrolled diabetes or who is overweight should use sugar-free soda more cautiously. Another important point is the type of sweetener used in Gaz. For example, if Gaz is sweetened with sorbitol or xylitol, consuming more than 50 grams may cause bloating, diarrhea or abdominal pain. While stings with stevia or erythritol are usually more easily tolerated by the body. Key points in choosing the right mesh for diabetics Choosing the right diet for diabetics is of great importance; Because all so-called "sugar-free" or "diet" products are not necessarily safe for diabetics. In the following, we point out the most important points that should be considered when buying Gaz: ### 1. Detailed study of the product label: The first and most important point is to check the **nutritional label** of the product. Don't just use the word "sugar-free"; Rather, the ingredients used, the type of sweetener, the amount of total carbohydrates, fat, calories and fiber should be checked carefully. Some diet snacks may be sucrose-free but contain hidden sugars, corn starch, or even high glycemic index sweeteners that are not suitable for diabetics. ### 2. Choosing low-risk sweeteners: Bars made with stevia, erythritol, sucralose, or aspartame are usually better options for diabetics; Because these sweeteners have little effect on blood sugar. Snacks made with **fructose, dextrose, maltodextrin, or glucose** should be avoided because these ingredients can raise blood sugar quickly. ### 3. Selection of reliable brands: It is recommended to buy from brands that have **standard label, health license and accurate nutritional information**. Some unauthorized manufacturers may include false information on the packaging or use low-quality raw materials for commercialization purposes. Transparency in ingredients is a sign of brand health. ### 4. Attention to other compounds: In addition to the sweetener, attention should also be paid to other components of Gaz. If it contains nuts such as pistachios or almonds, these ingredients are relatively high in calories despite being full of healthy fats. Also, the presence of butter, milk powder or artificial essences should also be taken into account in the final caloric calculation. The best time of day to consume dietary fiber One of the points that is usually ignored is the timing of the consumption of sweets in the diet of diabetic patients. Contrary to popular belief, the time of consuming Gaz can also be effective in better blood sugar control. ### 1. Immediately after the main promise: Doctors and nutritionists recommend that if diabetics are going to consume small amounts of diet soda, the best time is right after a main meal (such as lunch or dinner). At this time, the body is digesting other food and the presence of fat, protein and fiber in the meal slows down the absorption of sugars and sweeteners. As a result, the increasing effect of Gaz on blood sugar will be less. ### 2. Avoiding fasting or before exercise: It is not recommended to consume Gaz, even in the sugar-free form, **on an empty stomach** or **before physical activity**, because it may cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Also, eating diet sweets on an empty stomach can cause bloating or gastrointestinal upset in some people, especially if the product contains sweeteners such as sorbitol or xylitol. ### 3. Snack with precision and control: If there is a need to consume Gaz as a snack, it is better to consume it with a warm drink such as sugar-free tea, or with a low-sugar and high-fiber fruit (such as a green apple or cucumber). This combination increases the feeling of satiety and better blood sugar control. The importance of consulting a doctor or nutritionist Undoubtedly, the most important point to include any new food in the program of a diabetic patient is **consultation with a doctor or nutritionist**. Even if Gaz without sugar is prepared from the best brands and with the healthiest ingredients, each diabetic person still has his own conditions; including: - Type of diabetes (type 1 or type 2) - The type of medicine used or the dose of insulin - Amount of daily physical activity - Body mass index (BMI) and metabolic status - Existence of simultaneous diseases such as high blood pressure or high blood fat By examining the physical condition, the nutritionist can determine how much, when, and with what type of diet it would be appropriate to consume dietary gizzard. Including dietary fiber as an alternative to another carbohydrate source is a smart way to manage its intake. For example, if a person wants to eat a diet snack for a snack, he should reduce the consumption of bread or rice in the same meal to maintain the balance. Also, monitoring blood sugar before and after taking diet gizzard is one of the practical methods to evaluate its effect on the body. If an unexpected increase is observed, consumption should be limited or stopped. ### Gaz without sugar; Safe sweetness or hidden sugar? By taking a close look at the content of this article, we find out that sugar-free Gaz, although it seems like an attractive option and a new alternative for diabetics, but behind its deceptive appearance, there are important points that should be considered with full awareness. If these products are prepared with safe, permitted sweeteners and have a low glycemic index, they can be included in the diet of diabetic patients; provided that its consumption is limited, managed and done with the doctor's advice. The important thing is that "sugar-free" does not mean "risk-free". Other ingredients, such as starch, nuts, milk powder, or even hidden sugars, can affect blood sugar, and excessive consumption of any food—even diet—can upset blood sugar balance. Therefore, diabetic patients should act with obsession, precision and proper nutritional knowledge in choosing sugar-free gaz, like any other food. Finally, although sugar-free soda can sweeten the bitter taste of dietary restrictions for diabetics, it is only enjoyable and safe when consumed with awareness, balance, and professional supervision. **To receive a visit (online or in person) with Dr. Yazdan Panah, fill out the form below**