Diabetes Patients Often Overthinking About Sugar, Even Though They Can As Long As They Know The Limit

Illustration of overthinking when you want to eat sugar (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Not a few people with diabetes or even healthy people are overthinking every time they face sweet foods or drinks. Not a few immediately avoid sugar completely for fear of triggering disease.

In fact, according to experts, sugar consumption is still allowed as long as the portion is controlled wisely. In this case, Prof. Dr. dr. Sidartawan Soegondo, Sp.PD-KEMD, FINASIM, FACE, an endocrine and Diabetes Internal Medicine Specialist from Eka Hospital BSD, explains that not everyone should be paranoid about sugar.

"If you don't have diabetes, you don't have to calculate every gram of sugar that enters your body," said Prof. Sidartawan during a media meeting in Jakarta recently.

Even so, he still reminded that diabetes is a serious disease that can cause widespread complications. The risks caused are not kidding, ranging from organ damage to other body system disorders.

Data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2021 records that Indonesia ranks fifth in the world in the number of people with diabetes, with an estimated 19.5 million sufferers.

Prof. Sidartawan explained, for individuals who do not have a history of diabetes, eating sweets is still allowed, as long as it is not excessive. The important thing is to maintain a diet and not exceed the daily consumption safe limits.

Unfortunately, many people are mistaken by considering sugar as the main enemy. Some even avoid white rice because of its sugar content, even though the body still needs sugar as a source of energy.

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the maximum limit for sugar consumption per person per day is 50 grams. If it is still on that threshold, sugar consumption can still be considered safe for healthy people.

"If you eat sweet and keep rushing to think about having to be burned or issued, it's actually not necessary unless you already have diabetes, of course the rules are different," he added.

However, for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is very important to strictly limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, including snacks that are high in sugar. Regular examination of blood sugar levels is also an important part of managing this disease so that it does not get worse.