For people with diabetes, whether or not to eat granulated sugar is more than just a matter of food; it’s an important part of keeping blood sugar levels in check. Adding glucose or sucrose to granulated sugar can have a big effect on blood sugar levels, which makes people worry about uncontrollable spikes that could cause serious problems. In this talk, we look at what experts say and what the rules are for people with diabetes when it comes to how much granulated sugar they can eat.
From the Point of View of a Nutritionist
A well-known nutritionist from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta, Sri Rejeki Wahyuningrum, SKM, RD, talks about the complicated link between people with diabetes and granulated sugar. Even though it might not make sense, Sri Rejeki says that people with diabetes can eat small amounts of powdered sugar under strict supervision. The key is to know what part glucose from granulated sugar plays in the total number of calories eaten.
As reported by Antara on September 30, 2023, Sri Rejeki said, “In reality, the composition of glucose or sucrose from granulated sugar in our daily caloric needs can still reach up to 5 percent of the total daily caloric intake.”
To give you an idea, if a person with diabetes needs 1,700 calories a day, then granulated sugar can make up up to 5% of their carbohydrate diet. According to Sri Rejeki, the most important thing about managing diabetes through food is being smart about how much sugar you eat. Strict limits on granulated sugar intake have a big effect on controlling blood sugar, but using sugar as a seasoning in a limited way is still allowed within the dietary framework for managing diabetes.
Health Advice from the Government
In line with what Sri Rejeki said, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia gives more detailed advice on how much sugar to eat. The daily recommended amount of sugar for healthy people is 50 grams, which is about four tablespoons. However, people who are dealing with diabetes should not eat more than 50 grams per day.
These tips help people with diabetes make good food choices by giving them a clear way to stick to the rules. It is important to remember that these suggestions are made to help you get the best health results while keeping your blood sugar levels in check.
How to Tell If You have Diabetes and Your Blood Sugar Is Too High
People with diabetes need to know how to spot the signs of high blood sugar. If you eat or drink too many things that are high in granulated sugar or other sweeteners, your blood sugar levels may rise, which increases the risk of problems. One of these serious problems is diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency that can lead to a coma or even death in the worst cases.
Healthline lists a number of symptoms or signs that people with diabetes may experience when their blood sugar levels are too high:
- When you have excessive thirst, you feel incredibly thirsty, often beyond what is normal.
- Frequent Urination: A clear rise in the number of times you have to go to the bathroom.
- Having a dry mouth means that your mouth feels uncomfortable all the time.
- Sweet-Smelling Breath: Breath that smells sweet, like fruit.
- Long-Lasting Weakness or Fatigue: Feelings of weakness or tiredness that last for a long time.
People with diabetes should check their blood sugar levels right away and see a doctor right away if they identify these signs. Taking action quickly and following medical advice are very important for controlling and reducing the effects of high blood sugar on health as a whole.