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sugar or jaggery which is better for diabetes
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Nutrition & Diet
Question #25091
45 days ago
104

sugar or jaggery which is better for diabetes - #25091

Yuvan

I am trying to figure out if sugar or jaggery which is better for diabetes after my doctor told me I should really watch my sugar intake. I have been diagnosed maybe a year ago and ever since then, I’m constantly confused about what to eat. I was at a family gathering last week and my aunt was like "oh honey, jaggery is a natural sweetener, it's better for you!" but then my friend who’s a nutritionist says that even jaggery can spike blood sugar levels. Like, seriously, how do I know which is better? I’ve been keeping track of my glucose levels and they seem to fluctuate a lot, especially when I consume any kind of sugar. I've noticed that even small amounts of jaggery seem to make my numbers go up. Is it worth trying to swap out regular sugar for jaggery considering it has some nutrients? Or is that just a myth? Sometimes I wish it was just simpler - sugar or jaggery which is better for diabetes? I really don't wanna mess things up and I just want to lead a normal life. Any suggestions would be super helpful. Thanks!

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Doctors' responses

When it comes to managing diabetes, the focus should be on overall carbohydrate intake and the glycemic impact, rather than simply swapping one sweetener for another. Both sugar and jaggery primarily consist of sucrose, which can lead to similar spikes in blood glucose levels. Although jaggery does contain trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, these are not present in significant enough quantities to offset its impact on blood glucose. The idea that jaggery is “better” due to its natural origin doesn’t necessarily translate to a healthier choice for those with diabetes. Your experience of seeing glucose fluctuations, even with small amounts of jaggery, aligns with what’s expected from its carbohydrate content. It’s crucial to monitor how different foods affect your blood sugar levels and adjust your dietary choices accordingly. Consider reducing overall sugar and sweetened foods, whether it’s in the form of cane sugar or jaggery, and focus on whole grains, vegetables, and high-fiber options that have a lower glycemic index. Be mindful of portion sizes and try to integrate regular physical activity, as this can improve insulin sensitivity and help stabilize blood sugar levels over time. Substituting sugar with non-nutritive sweeteners, like stevia or sucralose, might help satisfy sweet cravings without significantly impacting blood glucose. However, consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary changes or if you’re noticing significant fluctuations in your glucose levels. They can assist you in developing a tailored plan that considers your lifestyle, preferences, and overall health status. Remember that consistency in monitoring and adjusting dietary habits plays a vital role in effective diabetes management.

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