Agave syrup (also known as agave nectar) has long since been used to make tequila, but it is actually a kind of sugar that is much sweeter than standard table sugar. Some companies have begun marketing agave nectar to diabetics as a natural substitute for sugar because of the lower volume required to sweeten something to the same sweetness level, among other factors. However, is it really better than sugar for diabetics?

Well, the answer lies in a little bit of science. Just a little bit, I promise! It just so happens that normal table sugar is 50% fructose and 50% glucose. Fructose sugars are absorbed into the body much slower than glucose sugars, which causes it to encourage obesity when too much of it is used, but it can also result in a better sugar for diabetics since it can help them avoid dangerous blood sugar level spikes.

Since agave syrup is usually 10% glucose and 90% fructose, it has a low glycemic index. However, there is one problem. Agave syrup has variations that have 45% glucose and 55% fructose, making it hardly any better for diabetics than standard sugar. In fact, that is the same distribution of glucose and fructose that normal high fructose corn syrup has. It really isn't good enough.

It is important to note that standard sugar and agave syrup both have the same number of calories per ounce. The catch is that agave syrup is significantly sweeter than normal sugar, so you can use less of it to get the same taste effect, which has the obvious benefit of ingesting less sugar.

So, is agave syrup better for diabetics than sugar? If you can manage to get the right kind, it can be. However, the benefits are limited as it is still sugar. Furthermore, the variances within agave syrup emphasize the need for diabetics to research what exactly is in the food they are eating, as believing that you are eating a healthier item than you are could lead to over-consumption, which can be very dangerous for anybody dealing with diabetes.

While I have covered a fair amount of information, you should always do more research on anything like agave syrup before deciding if it is good or bad for diabetics. Just as a diabetic should always do, if you try a new substitute for sugar, you should carefullly monitor your blood sugar levels to insure that you aren't having a negative reaction. Good luck, and happy eating!