Diabetic is a chronic disease that can be controlled with proper treatment and medications. There are many myths and misconceptions about diabetes. One of them is that sugar is the main cause of diabetes and this myth is accepted by many people.
In this article we will deal with sugar as a sweet and soluble carbohydrate that is used for culinary purposes. You will find out more about the impact that sugar has on the health of diabetics. Is sugar the main factor for developing diabetes? Is it true that people with type 2 diabetes should not eat sweets and desserts at all? Read along and you will find out.
Is Sugar Safe for Diabetics?
If you are wondering whether diabetics can eat sweets or they should eliminate them completely, we have good news for you. People with diabetes can eat sweets, but it is important to eat them only as occasional treat and in small portions. Actually, they can eat sugar-containing foods as a part of their diet, as long as they eat them in moderation.
The first thing you should know is that type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with eating sugar because it is usually caused by genetic factors. When it comes to type 2 diabetes, the main risk factor is being overweight. We all know that a diet rich in calories can contribute to weight gain. Some studies have shown that sugary drinks are linked to type 2 diabetes, so it is necessary to limit intake of the beverages that are high in sugar. This way we will reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In the past diabetics were told to avoid sugar completely, because it can raise glucose levels in their blood. But, today the situation is a little different. Experts agree that diabetics can substitute small amounts of sugar for other foods which contain carbohydrates. These foods are bread, rice, potatoes, cereal, corn, milk, yogurt, juice, fruit, etc. But, it doesn’t mean that you can eat sugar every day. It is important to eat a small serving of sugary foods. You should have in mind that sweets usually contain a large quantity of carbohydrates in a small serving, so be careful. It is recommended to save desserts and sweets for some special occasions.
Your regular diet should be based on vegetables, whole grains, beans, fruit, non-fat dairy, lean meats, fish and other healthy foods. If you need something to satisfy your sweet craving, it is best to eat a piece of fruit. When it is a special occasion, you can eat your favorite dessert, but the portion needs to be small. If you eat sweets once in a while nothing bad will happen and you will be able to control your blood sugar.
It is important to know that not only sweets and desserts are high in sugar, but also most sweeteners. They are rich in carbohydrates and calories, so you should be careful. Those sweeteners are white sugar, cane sugar and sugar cane syrup, brown sugar, but also agave nectar and maple syrup. Rice syrup, fructose, powdered sugar, honey and coconut palm sugar are also loaded with carbohydrates, so you should limit the amount you use.
Experts recommend you to check the food label to see how many grams of carbohydrate a certain food contains. You should also have in mind that there are some foods that are sugar-free, but they are loaded with carbohydrates. These foods will also affect your blood sugar levels.
As you have seen in this article, having diabetes doesn’t mean that you will never eat your birthday cake or your favorite pumpkin pie.
As long as you eat sweets moderately and as occasional treats, you will still be able to manage your blood sugar level. It is best to save sweets for a special occasion and to take only a small portion. If you eat sweets occasionally you will be able to manage your diabetes.
As we have already said, the most important thing is to substitute small servings of sweets or sweeteners for other foods which contain carbohydrates. This way you will keep your blood glucose levels under control.