Can diabetic patients drink brown sugar water?

Mar 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've had diabetes for many years. I caught a bit of a chill these two days, and my family suggested I drink some brown sugar water. But I have diabetes—can I actually drink brown sugar water?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

Generally, diabetic patients are usually not advised to drink brown sugar water, but if their blood sugar is well controlled, they may consume it in moderation.

Brown sugar water contains a high amount of sugar and calories, which should be strictly controlled in diabetic patients to avoid consuming high-sugar foods. The main component of brown sugar is still sucrose, composed of glucose and fructose. Once ingested, brown sugar rapidly breaks down into monosaccharides, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels, which is detrimental to the management of diabetes. Therefore, diabetic patients should avoid drinking brown sugar water in their daily diet.

However, when the condition is stable and blood sugar is well controlled, occasional and minimal intake of brown sugar may be acceptable, provided it is accounted for within the total daily caloric intake and blood sugar levels are closely monitored to ensure no significant fluctuations occur. In addition, choosing foods with a low glycemic index and combining them with high-fiber foods can help slow down the rise in blood sugar levels.

Diabetic patients should pay special attention to their diet, avoiding high-sugar, high-fat, and high-salt foods in order to maintain stable blood sugar levels and overall health.