01/5​Can people with diabetes eat jaggery? Here is all you need to know about natural sweeteners

​Can people with diabetes eat jaggery? Here is all you need to know about natural sweeteners

Diabetes is a health condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. To put it in simple words, type 1 diabetes is when the insulin-producing cells are destroyed by your immune system. And in type 2 diabetes, your body is unable to use the insulin produced by your pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes. If not managed properly, diabetes can cause serious health complications like kidney disease, heart disease and failure of vital organs.

People with type 2 diabetes are recommended to be extra careful about what they eat. They are advised to stay clear of sweets, colas and other food products that may contain a lot of added sugar. People suffering from diabetes are also recommended to consume small and frequent meals in order to keep their sugar levels in check.

But people suffering from diabetes often think that consuming sugar in the natural form will not cause as much harm. Here is the truth about natural sweeteners.

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02/5​Natural sweeteners and diabetes

​Natural sweeteners and diabetes

Many people, irrespective of whether they have type 2 diabetes or not, are turning to natural sweeteners in order to be healthier. Popular natural sweeteners include honey and jaggery. They both options are healthier alternatives to processed sugar. They are considered healthier because they are not processed as sugar and thus have fewer chemicals and preservatives. Compared to white and brown sugar, jaggery and honey are considered better and healthier options.

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03/5​Are natural sweeteners safe for diabetics to consume?

​Are natural sweeteners safe for diabetics to consume?

Diabetics are suggested to avoid meetha as much as they can so as to manage their blood sugar levels. This is because the food that we eat is generally rich in carbs and natural sugar, which is enough to keep our blood sugar levels stable and prevent it from dropping too low.

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04/5​Jaggery for diabetics

​Jaggery for diabetics

Though no doubt jaggery is healthier than sugar, but for diabetics both mean the same. So, if diabetics are consuming jaggery, they must make sure to do it in moderation.

Jaggery has a pretty high sugar content and thus it can lead to a spike in the blood sugar levels for diabetics. Jaggery also has a high glycemic index of 84.4, which makes it unfit for diabetics to consume.

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05/5​Verdict

​Verdict

Choosing natural sweeteners over artificial sweeteners is surely a healthy choice, but that doesn't mean one can consume as much as they want. Always remember, moderation is the key, whether you have diabetes or not. Consumption of sweeteners in excess, even if you do not have diabetes can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of obesity and chronic diseases.

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