Diabetes is a common problem that continues to grow and affect millions of adults and children throughout the United States. In fact, an estimated 1.9 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in 2010 alone to add to the estimated 25.8 million children and adults in the United States who currently have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. When it comes to diabetes, many questions revolve around the consumption and effects of sugar, especially candy.
Candy and Obesity
The sugar in candy carries a lot of calories in a small package. Candy may not contribute directly to diabetes, but, when it is consumed in excess, it can lead to weight gain. Obesity is a major contributing factor to the development of diabetes, as the more fat cells your body contains, the more resistant your body can become to insulin, according to MayoClinic.com. Insulin resistance is a primary symptom of diabetes.
Simple Carbohydrates
If you already have diabetes or you're prediabetic, candy is a greater concern for you. Most candy is made up of white sugar, which is a simple carbohydrate. Simple carbohydrates break down much faster in your digestive tract, making glucose available to the bloodstream quite quickly, unlike complex carbohydrates such as whole grains that digest more slowly and regulate how quickly glucose enters the bloodstream. When glucose enters the blood too quickly, blood sugar levels skyrocket. If you are diabetic, the issues with your insulin make it difficult for the body to deal with the excess glucose. Elevated glucose levels over time cause serious damage to the cardiovascular system.
When It's Appropriate
In some cases, candy can be a lifesaver for a diabetic. If you're a diabetic who regularly experiences low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia, candy can actually save your life. The sugar in candy can be an emergency source of quick glucose to increase your blood glucose to a more normal level. As such, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests carrying around five or six pieces of hard candy to help boost blood glucose when it falls below 70 in a glucose test.
Alternative Options
Reducing your intake of candy significantly can be difficult, but there are alternatives. If craving sweets, try a piece of fruit. While the natural sugar in fruit also can raise your blood sugar, the soluble fiber in fruit creates a gel-like substance in your digestive tract, slowing the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream. Sugar-free candies also can help reduce sugar cravings. Also, keep in mind that you don't have to stop eating candy altogether. It's just important to keep your serving sizes small to prevent overloading your bloodstream with glucose.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know about Eating and Diabetes
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes -- Risk Factors
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Fiber -- Essential for a Healthy Diet
- Harvard School of Public Health: Carbohydrates: Good Carbs Guide the Way
- TeensHealth from Nemours: Carbohydrates and Diabetes
