Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body is not able to use insulin effectively or when both happen. The insulin it produces is not effective. The cause is multifactorial or a combination of factors – genetics, lifestyle and overall diet. Because of lack or ineffective insulin, blood glucose or the sugar in the body cannot enter the cells and accumulate in the blood creating hyperglycemia.
It is worth repeating or emphasizing that sugar is a generic term. Sugar, particularly glucose, is the end product of carbohydrate metabolism. When carbohydrate-rich foods are digested, the end product is glucose which is absorbed and circulated in the body and thus referred to as circulating blood sugar. When carbohydrates are lacking in the diet, the body has a mechanism to convert non-carbohydrates (amino and fatty acids) into glucose which is the preferred fuel source in the body, especially the brain.
Of course, the diet may include all forms of sugar, hence, does not refer to white or brown table sugar, muscovado or honey only. There are many more forms of simple sugar and especially for processed products, read labels for any of those forms enumerated in my previous article. The number of sugar units derived from a particular food item, classifies whether the carbohydrate-rich food is a simple or complex sugar. Simple sugars such as table sugar, candy, syrup, jams, jellies, honey and the like, can make the blood sugar rise in a short period of time because no or minimal need to digest. On the other hand, complex carbohydrates such as rice especially less polished e.g. red, brown rice as well as fruits and vegetables yield glucose but on a somewhat staggard and longer time due to longer time for digestion owing to their fiber content. Thus, the rise in blood sugar is not drastic and of course, better for diabetics. More so if less polished rice (brown, red) and root crops are consumed.
Aside from the sugar content, there is also the glycemic index of foods that diabetic patients have to contend with. Food of high glycemic index can lead to high increases in blood sugar. On the contrary, foods of low glycemic index leads to lower rise in blood sugar. This can be dealt with in next issue/s.
There is no single diet that can be prescribed for diabetic patients. The diet prescription is on a case-to-case basis. The objective is to attain a near normal if not normal blood sugar. Drastic increases and decreases in blood sugar are to be avoided, hence, the level of calorie intake should be more or less similar each meal. Small but frequent feedings apply and yes, night snacks is recommended to avoid the long duration of low blood sugar which can lead to hypoglycemia.
Because sugar are also sources of energy, yes they can be part of diabetic diets but only if factored in in their diet plans, and if the patient is compliant with diet prescriptions and if blood sugar levels are controlled. Please seek consultation.
