Tagatose: Managing Diabetes with a Low-Glycaemic Sugar

by | Feb 3, 2025 | News

Diabetes is a growing global health concern, affecting over 500 million individuals worldwide. [1] For those living with diabetes, monitoring and managing blood sugar levels is of utmost importance.

Eliminating sweet foods from the diet entirely can be challenging, if not impossible. However, it is possible to enjoy the sweetness of sugar without the negative impact on blood sugar levels. The natural sugar tagatose offers a promising solution.

The Low-Glycaemic Properties of Tagatose

One of the key benefits of tagatose for individuals with diabetes is its minimal impact on blood sugar levels and insulin secretion, unlike regular household sugar. [2] While sucrose has a glycaemic index (GI) of 65, tagatose boasts a significantly lower GI of just 3. [3]

This makes tagatose an effective, tooth-friendly, and low-calorie alternative to traditional sugar. It provides a safe option for individuals seeking to satisfy their sweet cravings without experiencing the blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with sucrose.

Reduction of Blood Sugar Spikes

Research has identified several ways in which tagatose supports diabetes management. Compared to sucrose, tagatose effectively reduces post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing digestion and inhibiting intestinal enzymes responsible for sugar absorption.

Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that tagatose can lower HbA1c levels—a key marker for long-term blood sugar control. [4]  Notably, research indicates that the longer tagatose is incorporated into the diet, the more pronounced its benefits become, offering a unique advantage over many conventional diabetes medications.

Weight Management Benefits

Tagatose also supports weight management due to its lower caloric content—1.5 kcal/g in the USA and 2.8 kcal/g in the UK and EU—compared to sucrose, which contains 4 kcal/g. Additionally, tagatose reduces insulin secretion when present in the gut, contributing to better metabolic health. [5]

A study exploring tagatose’s potential as an anti-diabetic agent found that it not only aids weight loss but also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, both of which are critical for diabetes management. [6]  The study further highlighted tagatose’s additional health benefits, including its antioxidant and prebiotic properties—advantages not typically offered by conventional diabetes treatments.

A Diabetic-Friendly Sugar Alternative

Tagatose is a natural, low-calorie sugar that helps mitigate the harmful effects of sucrose and other traditional sugars. It facilitates more effective diabetes management while allowing individuals to continue enjoying their favourite sweet treats.

For those looking to incorporate tagatose into their diet, Dr Coy’s sugar mixtures offer an ideal solution. Dr Johannes Coy, founder of Intelligent Sugar, has dedicated his research to understanding tagatose and other health-promoting natural sugars.

Dr Coy’s specially formulated blends provide a steady source of energy without the adverse effects associated with conventional sugars. These natural sugars, including tagatose, are metabolised in a way that helps prevent blood sugar spikes, making them a valuable addition to a diabetes-friendly diet.

 

[1] Facts & figures. International Diabetes Federation. https://idf.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-facts-figures/
[2] Guerrero-Wyss M, Durán Agüero S, Angarita Dávila L. D-tagatose is a promising sweetener to control glycaemia: a new functional food. BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:e8718053.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ensor M, Banfield AB, Smith RR, Williams J, Lodder RA. Safety and efficacy of d-tagatose in glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes. J Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2015;3(1):1065.
[5]  Guerrero-Wyss M, Durán Agüero S, Angarita Dávila L. D-tagatose is a promising sweetener to control glycaemia: a new functional food. BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:e8718053.
[6] Lu Y, Levin GV, Donner TW. Tagatose, a new antidiabetic and obesity control drug. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2008;10(2):109-134.