Can patients with high blood sugar consume brown sugar?
Disease description:
My blood sugar has remained high and won't decrease. I usually have a habit of eating something sweet and crave the taste of brown sugar. However, I'm worried that consuming it might cause a sharp rise in my blood sugar levels. So I'd like to ask, can people with high blood sugar eat brown sugar or not?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Under normal circumstances, patients with high blood sugar are not advised to consume brown sugar.
The main component of brown sugar is sucrose, and it also contains small amounts of fructose and glucose. These carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed by the body after consumption, causing a quick rise in blood glucose levels. For individuals who already have elevated blood sugar levels, such abrupt fluctuations in blood glucose may worsen their condition and potentially lead to complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state.
It is recommended to develop a personalized dietary plan under the guidance of a professional doctor or nutritionist, avoiding excessive intake of high-sugar foods, including brown sugar. If sweetness is required for flavoring, some low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives can be chosen, such as natural sweeteners like stevia and xylitol, as well as moderate amounts of fresh fruits as sources of sweetness, to satisfy taste preferences while minimizing impacts on blood glucose.
In daily life, individuals with high blood sugar should regularly monitor their blood glucose levels and adopt scientifically sound dietary management and lifestyle adjustments. These measures help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes and its associated complications.
