Q: Can people with diabetes eat any sugar at all?
A: In theory, diabetic patients should try to avoid eating glucose directly. If you have a strong sweet tooth, as many diabetics do, you can use sweeteners as a substitute. However, you should try to avoid methods like drinking sugar water or adding sugar to your meals, because this causes sugar to be absorbed too quickly, which can easily lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
Q: What are sweeteners? Are they harmful to health?
A: Sweeteners are a large category of food products that are sweet but provide no energy or very little energy. There are various types of sweeteners, some extracted from natural plants like monk fruit and stevia, and others are chemically synthesized, such as saccharin and aspartame. All countries, including the Chinese government, have strict regulations on the use of sweeteners. As long as the types and amounts of sweeteners used comply with national standards, they are within the safe range and are perfectly safe for consumers, even when consumed daily.
Q: Some diabetic patients often eat foods containing xylitol. Is this good for the body?
A: There are no harmful effects. Xylitol is a substance derived from sugar, with a sweetness similar to sugar. It can replace sugar and provides much less energy. Compared to sugar, it does not promote tooth decay.