Diabetes is a chronic condition that cannot be completely eliminated with medication alone. While medicines help manage symptoms and prevent complications, long-term blood sugar control depends heavily on lifestyle choices, especially daily eating habits.
For individuals managing blood sugar levels, every meal plays a crucial role. Food directly affects glucose levels, energy balance, metabolism and insulin response. Even small dietary mistakes, when repeated regularly, can disturb sugar control and increase health risks.
People with diabetes often need to avoid or strictly limit several foods, including refined sugar, sugary drinks, processed snacks, bakery items and excessive carbohydrates. These foods cause rapid spikes in blood glucose and complicate long-term management.
Understanding which foods raise blood sugar is essential. High-glycaemic foods such as sweets, white bread, polished rice and sugar-based products trigger quick glucose surges and should be consumed with extreme caution or avoided completely.
Many people believe jaggery is a healthier alternative to white sugar. This creates confusion among diabetic patients who wonder if switching to jaggery allows them to enjoy sweetness safely without affecting sugar levels.
Yes, jaggery does increase blood sugar levels. Although it is less processed than white sugar and contains small amounts of minerals, it remains a concentrated form of sugar and causes significant glucose spikes, making it unsafe for uncontrolled consumption.
Nutrition experts advise that people with diabetes should be cautious with all forms of sugar, including jaggery, honey and syrups. Portion control, low-glycaemic foods and balanced meals are key to stable sugar management.
Cravings for sweets are common, but they must be handled wisely. Instead of traditional sweets, individuals should choose natural alternatives that support blood sugar control and provide flavour without harmful spikes.
Ginger, basil and cinnamon are known for their low glycaemic impact and beneficial effects on glucose metabolism. These herbs can be incorporated into tea, meals and daily routines to support sugar balance naturally.