Monk fruit extract is an essentially non-caloric sweetener that does not raise after-meal glucose or insulin the way table sugar does. Pure extract has a favorable short-term safety record at food-use levels; real-world risk is driven mainly by erythritol-heavy commercial blends. Best framed as a practical sugar-replacement tool, not a proven longevity drug. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | ~70–85 mg/dL (functional targets vary) | Tracks sugar-reduction impact |
| HbA1c | Individualized; many longevity clinics aim near ~5.0–5.4% | Medium-term glycemic exposure |
| Fasting insulin | Lower within lab-normal; no universal longevity cutoff | Insulin demand context |
| Continuous glucose (optional) | Flatter post-meal curves vs prior sugar use | Real-world meal response |
| Waist circumference | Downward trend if weight loss is a goal | Adiposity proxy |
Cadence: Continuous or periodic glucose checks in the first 1–2 weeks of major sugar substitution, then fasting glucose and optional HbA1c at ~3 months and every 6–12 months if metabolic disease is present