A question we often see recurring is whether Zùsto is actually safe for diabetics. With all the health claims flying around these days, that question is entirely understandable. Hence, in this blog we’d love to give you some more information on why Zùsto is completely safe for diabetics.
What’s a glycemic index?
To frame this properly, first and foremost we need to explain the glycemic index.
The glycemic index (GI) indicates how quickly carbohydrates are absorbed into your blood. In the process, foods with a low glycemic index are therefore absorbed less quickly, resulting in less high blood sugar spikes and less fluctuating blood sugars. As a result, this diet is often recommended to people with diabetes because it is less likely to cause hypos, hypers and complications.
The glycemic index of food is expressed as a number from 0 to 100. In this regard, a GI less than 55 is low, from 55 to 70 is medium, and greater than 70 is high.
Zùsto scores significantly low on the glycemic index
Sweeteners are low-glycemic index sugar substitutes, used to improve blood sugar control in diabetics. Unfortunately, the experience of artificial sweeteners is not always as sweet and delicious as sugar. Consumers often refer to an aftertaste in foods containing sweeteners.
That’s why a study by ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) set out to examine Zùsto’s glycemic index and the feasibility of replacing glucose as a sweetener as a result.
This study compared the glycemic index (GI) of Zùsto with that of 25 g of glucose, a standard sugar-laden beverage used in the oral glucose tolerance test to detect diabetes.
With this, 10 healthy volunteers not suffering from obesity received glucose and Zùsto, at one-week intervals. The development of glycemia (blood sugar level or amount of sugar in the blood), C-peptide (substance released in the pancreas during the formation of insulin) and insulin release were then measured at different times after ingestion.
The results show that when calculating the average incremental Area Under the Curve (AUC), the AUC of glucose was about five times that of Zùsto.
In the same study, Zùsto’s GI was calculated to be 22. So that falls below the threshold of 55 for a low GI score. For context, the GI of sugar is set at 65 giving it a GI score of average. So Zùsto scores significantly better on the glycemic index!
Moreover, Zùsto – unlike glucose – had no significant effect on glycemia (blood sugar levels) for at least 60 minutes.
This was also the case for C-peptide and insulin release, but there the difference lasted even up to 180 minutes.
On top of that, Zùsto was perceived as sweet by all the volunteers, with no unpleasant or distinct aftertaste.
The original clinical report from ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) with the full data can be viewed here.
What is the consequence of Zùsto’s low glycemic index?
This study clearly shows that Zùsto can be used as a replacement for fast sugars since it has a low GI. Its taste is perceived as sweet and, unlike sugar, Zùsto has no effect on postprandial glycemia (blood sugar levels after eating a meal), C-peptide release and insulinemia (blood insulin levels).
The fact that postprandial glycemia is not altered by Zùsto is important because both the GI and glycemia themselves have an effect on overall health and well-being. Moreover, blood insulin levels (insulinemia) are not altered, which is the case with standard drinking glucose and foods with a higher GI.
Hyperinsulinemia – excess insulin in the blood – is associated with the more frequent occurrence of increased appetite and weight gain, (pre)diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.
As a result, this non-metabolic disruption of Zùsto is of significant importance. In fact, the absence of hyperinsulinemia after ingestion suggests that your appetite will not increase. As a result, no weight gain will follow.
Why is Zùsto ideal for diabetics?
Zùsto is a perfect alternative to fast sugars and will thereby help you keep your blood sugar stable and improve your metabolism. In addition, Zùsto also has a whole host of advantages. Both in its use and for your health. We list them for you below!
- Replaces sugar in a one-to-one ratio allowing existing recipes to remain unchanged.
- May help lower cholesterol. If the production of insulin is inadequate, it can lead to bad cholesterol levels. However, Zùsto will keep your insulin production stable, which may help lower your cholesterol levels.
- Up to 75% fewer calories in finished products with just 98 kcal per 100 g. Compared to sugar, Zùsto contains 4 times fewer calories.
- The same identical taste and texture as regular sugar, with the same cooking results. That way you won’t have to miss out on your favorite dishes and can enjoy them with the same exact taste experience!
- Possible reduction of fats by 20% and more.
- Zùsto contains a variety of fibers, each with their own health benefits. You can read more about that here.
- Extraordinarily versatile, from a pastry to an Italian meringue. Check out our recipes here for inspiration.
- Plant-based ingredients including fiber from chicory and corn making it 100% vegan.
Conclusion
From this we can conclude that Zùsto is completely safe for diabetics. Due to its low glycemic index, Zùsto will keep your blood sugar stable and also has many other benefits.
Moreover, Zùsto – as the only sugar substitute – also cooperates with the diabetes league in Belgium. If you’re a member, you can also get Zùsto at a discount through them.
Do you have diabetes yourself and miss the taste of your favorite dishes? Then try Zùsto now and experience the difference for yourself!
