Sweets are a favorite for many people, but if you're diabetic then this should be off-limits. As the name implies, diabetes is a condition where there's too much sugar in your blood and not enough insulin to process it. This blog post will answer the question: Can diabetics eat sweets?
What is diabetes and how does it affect your diet?
Diabetes occurs when the body has problems metabolizing sugar (glucose) due to a lack of insulin or because the cells do not respond properly to insulin.
When this happens, glucose accumulates in your blood and causes damage to all parts of your body. This is why it’s important for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing complications.
Your diabetes affects you in a number of ways, including the types of food you can eat. This is because different foods affect blood glucose levels in various ways and diabetics need to closely monitor their diet for this reason.
Cause of diabetes
There are two major types of diabetes: type-one and type-two. Type one is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body produces little or no insulin, while type two occurs when the cells do not respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance).
This means they don’t use glucose as well and can cause blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Some of the cases of type-one diabetes are caused by genetics, but it’s triggered by environmental factors like obesity in most cases.
Type-two diabetics often gain weight because their bodies cannot metabolize sugars effectively, leading them to accumulate in the bloodstream, eventually resulting in cell damage if left untreated.
By losing weight through dieting and exercise, you can help reduce your risk of developing this condition.
The most causes of type two diabetes are often the result of eating too much food and not exercising enough. In this case, your diet will be a major factor in controlling blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of complications from type-two diabetes.
Can diabetics eat sweets?
The truth is that diabetics should avoid sugary foods and drinks. Foods like cakes, candy bars, cookies, or other sweet treats can raise blood sugar levels very quickly and this puts you at risk of developing a number of complications related to diabetes, such as heart disease and kidney problems (to name just two).
But the good news is that you don’t have to cut out all sugary foods if you are diabetic. There are plenty of delicious alternatives on the market which can taste just as good but won’t cause problems for your blood sugar levels.
The best sweeteners for diabetic diets
If you are really craving something sweet, you can still have a treat once in a while. But it’s important to know which foods are going to cause blood sugar levels to rise and which will be better for your health overall. Here are some of the best options for diabetics.
Dextrose
A dextrose is a form of glucose that contains roughly half the calories as regular sugar (sucrose). It’s also about 30% sweeter than sucrose, making it an excellent alternative to use in your baking recipes if you want to reduce overall calorie content and lose weight while still enjoying something sweet once in a while.
Agave
Agave syrup comes from the agave plant native to Mexico and has become popular with both diabetics and non-diabetics alike because it’s low on the glycemic index scale, meaning that its carbohydrates are absorbed slowly into the bloodstream don’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels after being consumed. This makes it a great option for diabetics looking to enjoy a sweet treat every now and then.
Honey
Honey contains around 64 calories per tablespoon, making it roughly half as calorific as regular table sugar (sucrose).Â
It’s also sweeter than sucrose so you can use less of this alternative in your baking recipes if you want the same level of sweetness as before. What’s more, honey has been shown to improve blood glucose levels when consumed with other foods containing carbohydrates.
Stevia
These natural plant leaves have been used for hundreds of years because they taste very sweet but don’t cause problems associated with high-carbohydrate diets like diabetes.Â
It’s also around 200 times sweeter than sugar, so you can use very little of it in your baking to get the same level of sweetness as before.
Now that you know which sweeteners are best for diabetics or people who want to lose weight and still enjoy a treat now and again, there will be no excuses not to give them a try!Â
Try these alternatives out in recipes for cakes, cookies, or other desserts until you find something that tastes just right. Once this is achieved, you don't have an excuse not to eat sweets anymore!
Sweets that are safe to have on a diabetic diet
Here are some examples of sweet treats that diabetics can enjoy:
Belgium Chocolate
This is a great option because, although it’s sweet and tasty, there are only around 50 calories per 100g, making it an ideal choice if you want to lose weight or just enjoy something that tastes good without putting your health at risk. Plus, there are products that make sugar, lactose, and gluten-free and those that are low in carbs, light and dark options.
Cherries
This is another healthy treat which diabetics can eat with no problem. They do contain natural sugars, so watch how many you have each day, but they also offer fiber and potassium, which means they won't cause blood sugar levels to rise too quickly after being consumed.
Dark Chocolate
Another delicious treat on the market with all sorts of health benefits associated with it! This chocolate contains antioxidants as well as magnesium which will help reduce fatigue etc. Just make sure you watch your portion size and don’t eat too much as it can be calorific.
Cheesecake
This delicious treat has become popular with those who follow a dairy-free diet, thanks to new products such as soy cream cheese on the market.Â
It does contain sugar, so only enjoy every now and again, but if you want something sweet, this is definitely one of the best options for diabetics or people looking to lose weight because it's low in calories and high in protein, which keeps us full for longer!
Carrot Cake
Again, another healthy option containing natural sugars won't cause blood sugar levels to spike after being consumed. Carrots also offer Vitamin A, which helps protect cells from free radicals and is great for the skin. They're also a good source of fiber which will help with digestion as well as Vitamin K to maintain bone strength etc.
Now that you know what sweet treats are safe to have, there's no reason not to give them a try!Â
Try these alternatives out in recipes until you find something that tastes just right. Once this is achieved, then it'll be much easier for diabetics or those who want to lose weight & still enjoy sweets now & again without feeling guilty!
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