The basic cause of Diabetes and many related diseases like Metabolic syndrome is the marked difference between the energy intake and expenditure, in simpler terms Food and exercise. where Food - symbolizes energy intake ; and Exercise symbolizes energy expenditure. With the increasing abundance and changing socio economic Status, the average human being has become more engrossed in taking food and has forgotten the counterbalance- exercise. Perhaps this is symbolized in our craving for sweets, sugar (and sweets) not only provides calories ( energy), it also gives a feeling of satisfaction, joy and positive emotions associated with reward. Sweets are probably used in all civilizations across cultures and times to mark and celebrate festivities, they are used to be offered to Gods as a mark of respect and gratitude. Sweets occupy an important place not only on our palate but in our cultures as well.

There are a number of Artificial sweeteners available in the market. Aspartame- 150-300 times sweeter than sugar, suspected to cause brain tumours, memory problems, many others but still accepted by millions. Saccharin 130-200 times sweeter than sugar, known to cause cancer in animals, is being used by humans for more than 100 yrs. Sucralose 600 times sweeter than sugar, discovered during the search for an effective insecticide, suspected to cause cancers and many other diseases but loved by humans as it can be baked and heated.

Is it necessary that all good things be sweet? We know already that for a Diabetic all sweet things ARE NOT GOOD!

The main emphasis in treatment of Diabetes is on changing lifestyles rather than just changing one sweet for another. Its important to change our outlook towards everything in our environment which leads to diabetes and its complications.When eating sweets we expect to eat more and also other foods associated with them, Then there are other ingredients in sweets except Sugar as well which may remain unchanged even with the use of zero calory sweeteners. As we know now Glycemic index ( the manner in which blood glucose rises after ingestion of a particular type of food) may be more important than the total calories in a particular food stuff. People with Diabetes  need to change their thinking radically; in order to effectively Control Diabetes, they need to change to seekers of 'good and healthy food' instead of tasty sugar free zero calory foods. Occassionally sweets prepared with usual sugar can also be taken to satisfy their palate (not tummies) but in small quantities and can be compensated by cutting down on something else.

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