Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. Proper regulation of blood sugar levels is crucial to managing this deadly disease.
Although most forms of sugar are generally prohibited for people with diabetes, some, such as brown sugar, can be consumed in moderation.
Brown sugar is made by mixing white sugar with molasses, which gives it a distinct flavor and color. Unlike white sugar, brown sugar contains small amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron, which may have health benefits. However, it is essential to note that brown sugar is still a form of sugar. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation by people with diabetes.
Note from The Fitness Freak
A balanced diet is crucial for diabetes nutrition. The only time you should consume sugar is during hypoglycemic episodes, when your body needs to consume calories to raise blood sugar levels.
Good alternatives to added sugar
People with diabetes need to learn how to effectively manage glucose in the body. Also, researchers suggest that to avoid the long-term risks and complications of diabetes, it is essential not to consume sugar in any form.
If you crave sugar or something sweet, it’s best to get the natural sugars found in fruit. Since they are not artificially manufactured or processed, fruit sugars do not cause spikes and are not harmful. Natural sugars are easily digestible and slowly absorbed by the body, resulting in a low GI value.
Conclusion
People with diabetes should avoid brown sugar because it is still a form of added sugar and contains a high amount of carbohydrates.
Consuming too many carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels. Therefore, it may harm people with diabetes who need to closely monitor their blood sugar. Additionally, brown sugar contains molasses, which may increase the risk of specific health problems for people with diabetes.
Excess sugar also affects insulin sensitivity. When insulin is damaged, it reduces its ability to efficiently transport sugar from the blood to the cells. Therefore, people with diabetes should pay close attention to their sugar intake.
Sources of support
1. The United States Department of Agriculture
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168833/nutrients
2. Glycemic Index Guide
https://glycemic-index.net/brown-sugar/
3. National Institute of Health
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/4-steps