Stevia vs Sugar: UAE Doctors Explain Why Stevia Can Be a Healthier Alternative

As diabetes prevalence in UAE adults reaches 20.7%, reducing added sugar has become a major public health priority, especially with World Diabetes Day approaching next month.

Many residents have turned to stevia, a plant-based sweetener, as an alternative to sugar. Healthcare professionals say stevia, made from steviol glycosides, is generally safer than chemically engineered artificial sweeteners and can help lower sugar intake.

Government policies have supported this shift. Swapna Mary John, Clinical Dietetics at International Modern Hospital Dubai, explained that since December 2019, the UAE has imposed a 50% excise tax on products with added sugar (and 100% on energy drinks), encouraging the growth of low-sugar and zero-sugar products. “Clinically, replacing sugary drinks with non-caloric options often leads to reduced calorie intake and sometimes better blood sugar control,” she said.

Stevia: Benefits and cautions
Rola Fakri Al-Talafha from NMC Royal Hospital says, “Stevia provides sweetness without calories or blood sugar spikes, making it suitable for people with diabetes or those managing weight.” She cautioned that some commercial stevia products contain fillers or sugar alcohols that may cause bloating or laxative effects, so pure extracts are preferable.

Dr Anil Kumar Narayanswamy, Consultant Endocrinologist at Prime Hospital, added, “Stevia doesn’t raise blood glucose like sugar does and can help reduce total calorie intake. But it should be used in moderation and avoided in bulk, such as for baking.”

Focus on habits, not just substitutes
Doctors emphasize that behavioral changes are more important than simply replacing sugar with stevia. John advised gradually reducing sweetened drinks, switching to water, soda water, or unsweetened tea/coffee, and using stevia as a temporary bridge.

WHO guidance aligns with this: long-term weight reduction and healthy blood sugar levels are best achieved through overall dietary pattern changes rather than dependence on sweeteners alone.