Avoiding sugar is one of the strictest dietary rules for diabetes, especially for those used to having tea with sweets or cookies. The modern industry offers new alternatives, but not all are acceptable, and the phrase “no added sugar” or “light” can be misleading.
Next, we will discuss which sweet things can be eaten to accompany tea or snack if you have diabetes mellitus and which ones do not. In addition, we will give examples of low-carb sugar substitutes whose consumption (naturally, in moderation) is acceptable.
RELATED: Breakfasts for Type 2 Diabetics
What can be had for tea with diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders associated with the body’s inability to properly produce (or use) insulin. The problem is often associated with excessively high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes.
People with type 2 diabetes are advised to cut down on sweets or follow a low-carbohydrate diet (which limits total carbohydrate intake), as well as a complete rejection of foods with a high glycemic index: the energy they contain is quickly converted to glucose, which is undesirable.
The maximum daily sugar intake for people without diabetes is between 24 and 36 g, the equivalent of a glass of cola or juice. Simple carbohydrate intake should be limited to 10% of total caloric intake. (1)
Although the list of good sweets for diabetes is limited, there are several types of tea accompaniments that are safe from the point of view of increasing blood sugar:
- Dark chocolate
If white chocolate contains 20% cocoa butter and 60% sugar, in the case of dark, dark chocolate, the numbers change to up to 85% cocoa beans and only 15% sugar.
Since a portion of chocolate weighs about 10 g, in the case of dark chocolate, we are talking about 1.5-2 g of sugar. This type of chocolate and those without sugar are ideal options and allowed to accompany tea if you have diabetes.
- Fruits
A small handful of fresh berries or a baked apple is a perfectly acceptable dessert for diabetes. The fruit contains fructose and glucose, but it is also accompanied by natural fiber.
Many fruits are ideal for diabetics and help regulate blood sugar levels. To maintain metabolic function, a person needs about 25-30 g of fiber per day.
- Sugar-free gelatin
Edible gelatin is a food based on a soluble protein similar to collagen. It does not contain carbohydrates; however, sugars are often added to gelatin-based desserts. A serving of gelatin sweetened with sweeteners is a good snack option.
- Protein-rich cookies and brownies
There are many different recipes for making high-protein, low-carb sweet cookies: muffins, pancakes, brownies, etc. Make sure to use low-carb flours and sweeteners allowed for people with diabetes.
- Nuts
Studies show that eating a small serving of nuts five times a week reduces the risk of heart disease in the presence of diabetes by 17%.
First of all, we are talking about almonds and walnuts; However, macadamia nuts, characterized by a vanilla smell and a chocolate flavor, are also great for tea.
Sweet things are not recommended to add to tea.
Just because a product’s packaging says it does not contain “added sugars” does not mean that it does not have refined carbohydrates and is suitable for people with diabetes.
We are talking about the fact that they do not have white sugar added in the recipe, but similar products may well be added or have compounding sugars naturally.
For example, honey is almost 80% fructose; in theory, it can be labeled as a “no added sugar” product. Similarly, maltodextrin, rice, maple syrup, etc., can be used. Read the package; any of these ingredients are not recommended for diabetes or prediabetes.
RELATED:
Eat sugar substitutes for diabetes in moderation.
Although sweeteners can achieve a sweet taste without raising blood glucose levels, people with diabetes should consume them in moderation.
A 2020 study also shows that synthetic sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin are associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance. (2)
Even newer, more natural options like sugar alcohols (erythritol, isomaltol, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol) in excess can lead to increased gas production stomach.
Since taking medications to lower blood sugar levels (for example, metformin) can lead to flatulence, it is best to avoid combinations with the sweeteners above.
Replacement of tea or coffee with chicory
The chicory is used as a substitute for coffee or tea in diabetes. Chicory root (a plant with bluish flowers) is first dried, ground, and fried. Among the beneficial properties, the absence of caffeine can be noted and the presence of natural antioxidants.
Research suggests that the substance inulin it contains can affect blood sugar (and therefore insulin); In other words, chicory can help lower fasting glucose. (5)
Inulin is a polymer of D-fructose and is found in chicory root, artichoke tubers, and agave. The substance helps control blood sugar levels and acts as a prebiotic (stimulating beneficial bacteria’s growth).
ABSTRACT
Since type 2 diabetes is associated with the body’s inability to use excess glucose, a diet involves limiting the intake of carbohydrates, particularly of the sugar type.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat sweet things with tea. Acceptable options are small servings of fresh berries, nuts, chocolates, and low-carb baked goods.
