can sugar patients drink sugarcane juice - #23198
I am really confused about something and need some help from you all. My grandma has been dealing with diabetes for a while now, and we’ve been super careful with her diet. She always loved fresh fruit juices, especially sugarcane juice, but I recently heard that sugar patients can’t drink sugarcane juice because it might spike her blood sugar levels. We were at a family gathering this weekend, and someone brought a jug of sugarcane juice. It smelled really amazing, and it reminded her of her younger days. But I couldn’t really figure out if it’s safe or not! I mean, sugarcane juice is natural and all, but can sugar patients drink sugarcane juice without it messing up her health? She keeps asking for a taste, and I just don’t want to risk her health. Are there any specific guidelines for sugar patients about this? I read that it’s quite sweet, but I was wondering if it’s ok in moderation or something. Would it be better than soda or something? Someone please help me clarify this, 'cause I'm torn!
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Doctors' responses
When managing diabetes, it’s crucial to monitor carbohydrate intake, including sugars from both processed and natural sources. Sugarcane juice is naturally quite sweet because it contains simple sugars like sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Consumption of such high-sugar drinks can quickly elevate blood glucose levels, which is something we generally aim to avoid in individuals with diabetes. For your grandmother, indulging in sugarcane juice could lead to a notable blood sugar spike, especially if she doesn’t closely monitor her blood sugar afterwards. While it is indeed natural, it’s the sugar content that is the primary concern, not whether the source is natural or processed. If the urge to have sugarcane juice is strong, perhaps consider a very small amount like a taste, while checking her blood glucose level before and after consumption to observe how it affects her. Comparing it to soda, both are high in sugars, so neither is actually recommended as part of a regular routine. Encouraging drinks like water, unsweetened teas or sugar-free drinks is generally advisable to keep blood sugar levels stable. However, always consider her individual circumstances, dietary patterns, and consult her healthcare provider before introducing any changes like this, especially if her diabetes management plan is quite strict. It’s important to keep her health and safety the priority.
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