Added Sugar and Diabetes

If you were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes it can feel extremely overwhelming. 

There is sooo much information coming at you from your doctor, maybe a dietitian, friends, family, internet, support groups, etc. If you were only going to take one piece of dietary advice, the most impactful piece of advice would be to reduce your sugar intake.

How is added sugar related to diabetes?

When you consume added sugar, especially in large amounts, it can cause your blood sugar levels to spike quickly. For someone with type 2 diabetes, this can be particularly challenging because their body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels on its own. The higher blood sugar levels that result have a negative impact on health, leading to the common complications of diabetes including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, poor wound healing, increased risk of infections, vision changes and blindness.

By reducing your sugar intake, you can help keep your blood sugar levels more stable throughout the day. This can lower your risk of experiencing dangerous spikes and crashes in blood sugar, which can lead to various health complications.

 

Additional benefits of cutting back on added sugars.

Moreover, cutting back on sugar can also help you better control your weight. Sugary foods and drinks are often high in calories but low in nutrients, making it easy to consume excess calories without feeling full. By reducing your sugar intake, you can better manage your weight, which is important for managing type 2 diabetes.

Making small changes like choosing whole foods, reading nutrition labels, and limiting sugary treats and beverages can make a big difference in managing your diabetes and improving your overall health. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and every positive step you take towards reducing your sugar intake can have a positive impact on your health.

What do you anticipate will be the most difficult part of reducing your sugar intake? Share below and I can provide you with suggestions to overcome those challenges.