Does Stevia Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Summary
This video directly addresses a common concern about whether stevia can raise blood sugar levels. Dr. Berg concludes that stevia does not increase blood sugar or insulin, and is safe to use as a sugar substitute — with one important caveat about added ingredients.
Key Takeaways
- Stevia does not raise blood sugar levels — the sweetness of stevia does not trick the body into responding as if it were real sugar
- Stevia does not trigger an insulin response, making it safe for those managing blood sugar regulation
- The concern that stevia causes a chain reaction of hypoglycemia → adrenaline → cortisol release is unfounded
- Plain stevia is safe to consume as a sugar substitute
- Watch out for stevia products that contain maltodextrin or added sugar, as these additives can be problematic
- Some stevia products contain erythritol, which may be GMO (often corn-derived) — opt for non-GMO versions if this is a concern
- Just because two things taste similar does not mean the body processes them the same way
Details
The “Sweet = Sugar Response” Myth
A common misconception holds that because stevia tastes sweet, the body cannot distinguish it from real sugar. The proposed chain of events in this theory goes:
- Stevia sweetness is detected
- Body responds as if sugar was consumed → blood sugar rises
- Insulin is released to bring blood sugar down
- Hypoglycemia results
- Adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol to compensate
- Chronic stress is placed on the adrenal system
Dr. Berg explicitly states this does not happen. The body does not treat stevia the same as sugar simply because both taste sweet. Similarity in taste does not equal similarity in metabolic effect.
What Stevia Actually Does
- Stevia does not raise blood sugar
- Stevia does not stimulate insulin secretion
- It can be used freely as a sugar substitute without the metabolic consequences associated with real sugar
What to Watch Out For in Stevia Products
Not all stevia products are created equal. Two common additives to be aware of:
- Maltodextrin or added sugar: Some commercially prepared stevia blends include these fillers, which can raise blood sugar. Always check the ingredient label.
- Erythritol: Some products combine stevia with erythritol as a bulking agent. Erythritol is often derived from corn and may be GMO. Choosing a non-GMO certified product avoids this issue.
Recommendation: Use plain stevia with no additional ingredients for the cleanest result.