Diabetes Diet: Can Diabetics Replace Sugar With Honey?

Diabetes diet: A healthy diet and lifestyle can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels

Diabetics are always advised to consume a healthy diet that helps in managing healthy blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes negatively affects different organs of the body and lead to severe complications later. While choosing foods for a diabetes diet, it is important to keep in mind the effect of food consumed on your blood sugars. Consumption of sugar, desserts, candies, cookies and other sweet delicacies can lead to a blood sugar spike. There are other natural forms of sugar like honey, jaggery, maple syrup and much more. Can you replace table sugar with these natural forms of sugar? Read on to find out.

Diabetes diet: Can diabetics consume natural forms of sugar

Dr. V Mohan reveals in one of his IGTVs whether diabetics can add honey to foods and drinks or not. "It is commonly believed that people with diabetes can replace sugar with honey, jaggery or other alternate forms of sugar. But these all are finally converted into glucose after they enter the body."

Also read: Diabetes-Friendly Snacks

Diabetics should avoid consumption of honey and jaggery
Photo Credit: iStock

"Someone with diabetes who intake anyone of these can experience high blood sugar levels. So it is better to avoid other forms of sugar. If you want to sweeten your coffee or tea, you can use artificial sweetener in a limited amount."

Also read: Diabetes: Expert Explains How To Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels In Elderly

How to beat sugar cravings when suffering from diabetes?

You can start by consuming a balanced meal. Adding a fruit to your meal can help combat those sugar cravings. Diabetics can eat seasonal fruits but in moderation.

Also, try to distract yourself whenever you feel like eating sugar. Sometimes you are either thirsty or hunger and it is often mistaken with sugar cravings. So, try drinking water, snacking something healthy or do activities that can distract you.

Also read: Diabetics, Try These 5 Healthy Options To Satisfy Your Carb-Cravings Instantly

Managing stress can also help diabetics. When you are stressed, you are more likely to consume more calories or something sweet. Try practising yoga and meditation to beat stress.

(Dr. V Mohan is Chairman & Chief of Diabetology at Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre & President, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.