5 Things You Need to Know About Diabetics And Candy

1. Not the Forbidden Fruit

If you are one of the millions of Americans struggling with diabetes, don't think of candy as the proverbial "forbidden fruit." Diabetics and candy can mix. Choose your candies carefully, though. You may damage your kidneys, eyes, nerves and cardiovascular system if you are diabetic and your blood sugar levels remain out of balance too long.

2. Monitoring Moderation

Moderation is the key to enjoying candy if you are diabetic. It's not what you eat occasionally that does damage in your body, but what you eat on a regular basis. You may enjoy a candy bar every now and then. Just make sure you use food substitutions. For example, when you eat a candy bar, leave off breads or pasta that day. Diabetics must check blood sugar levels on a regular basis and it's especially important after you have indulged in a treat such as candy. Monitor your blood sugar levels and consult a diabetic nutritionist (or your doctor) if you aren't sure about which food substitutions are right for you.

3. Sugar-Free Sweets

Years ago, diabetics had very little to choose from as far as candy is concerned. Nowadays, many major retail stores have selections of sugar-free candies and chocolates. You may find good selections of sweets for diabetics right alongside the regular sweets in most candy stores or grocery stores with dessert isles. You may also buy sugar-free, diabetic candy online.

4. Substitute Hard Candy For Sugary Treats

You may find not only sugar-free, diabetic chocolate candies, but a variety of hard candies as well when you shop for sugarless candy. Sugar-free peppermint and butterscotch hard candies make good between meal or after-meal treats. Some diabetics find that sucking on hard candies helps to curb cravings for cookies, candy bars and desserts. Cherry and lemon flavored sugar-free hard candies are popular among diabetics also. Your family members who don't have a problem with diabetes may benefit from sugar-free treats also.

5. Substitute Honey

You may make your own selection of diabetic candy treats at home. Melt sugar-free or semi-sweet chocolate and pour over pretzels for a quick and easy type of candy treat. Some homemade candy recipes (or any other recipe that uses sugar) may be made with honey instead of sugar. Honey is delicious and makes a great sugar substitute. Honey is also good for you. It contains many healthy benefits and nutrients, and sweet treats made with honey stay fresh and moist longer than those made with sugar.