Should Diabetics Avoid Sugar Completely?
Answer is NO. Sugar doesn't give you diabetes.
The myth that sugar causes diabetes is commonly accepted by many people. This is a complicated issue. Eating sugar has nothing to do with developing type 1 diabetes. Type 1 is caused by genetics and other unknown factors that trigger the disease.
One of the biggest risk factors for type 2 diabetes is being overweight, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. However, research has shown that drinking sugary drinks is linked to type 2 diabetes, and the American Diabetes Association recommends that people limit their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages to help prevent diabetes.
In the past, people with diabetes were told to completely avoid sugar. Experts thought that eating sugar would raise blood glucose levels very high.
Research around this issue has shown that while the type of carbohydrate can affect how quickly blood glucose levels rise, the total amount of carbohydrate you eat affects blood glucose levels more than the type.
Now experts agree that you can substitute small amounts of sugar for other carbohydrate containing foods into your meal plan and still keep your blood glucose levels on track.
That doesn't mean you can eat all the sugar you may want.
Most sweets contain a large amount of carbohydrate in a very small serving. So you need to be sure to have a small serving.
It is only when one is diabetic that they are asked to cut down on sugar and foods that have high sugar content. This is a part of diet restrictions that comes with this disease. However, it is not advisable to avoid sugar completely. That can lead to deficiency and further problems. A balanced diet has never harmed anyone, plan yours based around your diabetes
Planning balanced diet
1. Never be empty-stomach
This will lead to subsequent drop in blood sugar levels which in turn can possibly lead to major complications. It is important to keep eating from time to time. So, if travelling or at work, make sure you carry snacks to be eaten between meals.
2. Take small but frequent meals
Schedule your day such that you eat at regular intervals. Since you are not supposed to go hungry, make it a point to eat small meals frequently. Portion control is important here.
3. Add more proteins to your diet
While proteins are important for everyone, they hold special importance for a diabetic's diet.
4. Eat whole grains
Whole grains that are rich in fiber are also good for diabetics as they are packed with nutrition. Since the glucose takes longer to break down, these types of foods keep you fuller for a longer time.
5. Take sweet when your sugar level dips
There might be times when your sugar level dips. For unprecedented events like this, always carry something sweet in your body as a precaution. Diabetics should not avoid sugar completely. If at any time one feels giddy or uncomfortable, a bite of something sweet is what is helpful.
6. Do not cut off all foods with sugar
Our body gets sugar from natural foods too, so negating sweet completely would mean you stop eating almost everything. Your aim should be to eat right and not abstain completely.
Courtesy:
Dr. Shradha Doshi
Diploma in Diabetology, MBBS · Endocrinologist ·
Diploma in Diabetology, MBBS · Endocrinologist ·
