Types of Sugar in Sweet Foods for Diabetics, Recognize What's Safe for Consumption

Illustration of sugar in sweet foods for diabetics (Freepik/Jcop)

YOGYAKARTA – Candy may not be a sweet food that is safe for diabetics to consume. But is the sweetness in candy and fruit due to the same type of sugar? Come on, get to know what types of sugar are in sweet foods for diabetics and are safe for consumption.

When a person experiences an increase in blood sugar levels, it means that they have to monitor their food intake properly. In prediabetes or diabetes, foods with carbohydrates are responsible for increasing blood sugar levels. Even so, diabetics need carbohydrates in moderation or with restrictions. So, because each condition has different limits, you need to understand the types of foods that can trigger blood sugar to increase significantly.

Types of sugar in food and drink

For people with diabetes, the body cannot use insulin properly or cannot produce enough insulin. Some people with diabetes, can experience both. The term carbohydrate, among other things, includes sugar, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. In dessert products, including salads, cereals, and yogurt, carbohydrates are added to enhance the sweet taste.

1. Another name for sugar in packaged products

While some fresh foods, such as fruits and vegetables, naturally contain sugar. This means that it is still safe but the portion needs to be calculated and adjusted to each condition. Also, check the labels on the packaged foods you buy. Sugar on product labels is often written under another name. Such as dextrose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, lactose, malt syrup, sucrose, white granulated sugar, honey, agave nectar, glucose, and maltodextrin.

Illustration of types of sugar in sweet food for diabetics (Freepik/Wirestock)

Citing Healthline, Wednesday, December 21, the sources of sugar above are carbohydrates and affect your blood sugar. Of particular note, these simple sugars are digested more quickly than the complex carbohydrates in grains and vegetable starches. This means they affect blood sugar more quickly than complex carbohydrate foods and are less processed.

2. Artificial sweeteners

That doesn't mean that products with added sugar aren't safe, but that they should only be consumed in very small portions to manage blood sugar levels. Diabetics also need to avoid artificial sweeteners, which are generally written on the ingredients label such as acesulfame potassium, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, and sucralose.

Illustration of types of sugar in sweet food for diabetics (Freepik/Wirestock)

3. Sugar alcohol

What about sweet food or drink but written 'sugar free' or 'sugar free'? In packaged foods with these labels, glycerin, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and xylitol are generally added. These additives include sugar alcohols which can be made naturally but can also be synthetic. The good thing is, the average product labeled 'sugar free' only contains an average of 2 calories compared to 4 calories in regular carbohydrates. This means that sugar alcohols will raise blood sugar levels but not as much as regular carbohydrates.

4. Natural sweetener

Apart from artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners are also often used as product compositions by manufacturers. These natural sweeteners include nectar, molasses, maple syrup, agave syrup, honey, fruit juices and monk fruit. These artificial sweeteners also affect blood sugar just like any other type of sugar. But the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) notes that stevia sugar, which comes from the extract of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, can be added to desserts made at home.

Those are the four types of sugar in sweet foods for diabetics and require identification before consuming them. As well as considering portion sizes, create a meal plan. For example, if you plan to eat one slice of cake a day, cut the calorie count of other foods. This means that you need to calculate the portion of total carbohydrates in a day's food to manage blood sugar levels.