Avoiding anything sweet is important for diabetics to keep their blood sugar levels under control. So, can diabetics eat candy? Check out the full review below.
Should Diabetics Avoid Sweets?
Even though it has a sweet taste, diabetics are still allowed to eat candy. Just make sure not to overdo it.
Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar can indeed affect glucose levels more quickly, so it is very important to understand how sweet foods affect diabetes control.
Because sweets can make blood sugar levels rise quickly, people with diabetes must calculate the carbohydrates consumed and the number of injections of the hormone insulin correctly. It is needed to help manage blood sugar.
Since candy can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, the best time to consume it is close to mealtime to relieve sudden spikes in blood sugar.
Also Read: Is it true that brown sugar is healthier for diabetics?
So, what if diabetics eat sugar-free candy? Despite claiming to be sugar-free, the candy is made using artificial sweeteners, meaning it can have a milder impact on blood sugar levels.
Examples of artificial sweeteners used in sugar-free candies are stevia, sucralose, aspartame and saccharin.
However, it is important to know that sugar-free candy can still affect the body’s blood sugar levels because this type of candy contains carbohydrates and calories.
Also, there usually isn’t a big difference in terms of fat or total protein content in sugar-free candies than in regular candies.
Also Read: Can Eating Too Much Rice Cause Diabetes?
Limits of Sugar Intake for Diabetics
The condition of each person with diabetes is different, the portion of sugar intake is also different. The American Heart Association recommends servings of sugar intake for diabetics:
- No more than 25 grams of added sugar (about six teaspoons or 100 calories) daily for women.
- No more than 36 grams of added sugar (about nine teaspoons or 150 calories) per day for men.
However, the best step is to consult with your doctor first about the portion of your sugar intake and your diabetes condition. This is necessary to avoid diabetes complications.
- Anonymous. Are There Any Candies People With Diabetes Can Eat?. https://www.thewellnesscorner.com/blog/can-diabetic-people-eat-candies. (Accessed January 19, 2023)
- Anonymous. 2018. Is Sugar-Free Candy the Best Choice If You Have Diabetes?. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-sugar-free-candy-the-best-choice-if-you-have-diabetes/. (Accessed January 19, 2023)
- Fallabel, Christine. 2022. Can People with Diabetes Eat Candies?. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/candy-and-diabetes. (Accessed January 19, 2023)
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