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Dr. Souleymane Tandamba warns against misconceptions about sweeteners and whole sugars in diabetes management

Dr. Souleymane Tandamba, a medical professional, explains that diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease impacting blood sugar regulation, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. It occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin or when insulin's action on target tissues is impaired. Diagnosis is often made when fasting blood glucose is 1.26 g/l or higher on two occasions. Factors influencing blood sugar in diabetic individuals include non-adherence to treatment, dietary deviations, physical inactivity, excessive re-sugaring during hypoglycemia, and intercurrent factors like infections or stress, all of which can increase blood sugar. Conversely, certain hypoglycemic medications, intense physical activity, alcohol, and organ insufficiency can lead to low blood sugar. Managing both exogenous and endogenous sugar is crucial for glycemic balance, which helps prevent acute and chronic complications. Dr. Tandamba addresses the market presence of "diabetic sugars" or "low glycemic index sugars," clarifying that these are sweeteners and whole sugars. Sweeteners are substances that provide a sweet taste without being simple carbohydrates, with common types including sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, acesulfame potassium, and steviol glycosides. Whole sugars, like unrefined cane or beet sugar, primarily consist of sucrose and retain some natural components but generally have a glycemic index similar to refined sugar. The World Health Organization WHO recommends limiting fr