Compared to a healthy individual, a person with diabetes may not have the same liberty to eat whatever they want. They will have to practise mindful eating and must adhere to a restrictive diet plan. In summer, when there is a wide variety of fruits and juices available in the market, a diabetic is likely to wonder whether they can have it all. Sugarcane juice for instance is a widely sold drink in summer, especially in India. Unlike other sugary and unhealthy drinks, it may be one of the healthiest options. But is it safe for diabetics? Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Edwina Raj, Senior Dietician, Aster CMI Hospital, shares some helpful insights.
Also Read: Can You Eat Carbs If You Have Diabetes? Expert Answers
Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane juice is a natural beverage with an array of health benefits, said Dr Raj, adding that it consists of vital minerals like copper, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3 and C, zinc, manganese, calcium, and iron. According to a review published in Pharmacognosy Reviews, sugarcane juice comprises 70-75% water, 13-15% sucrose, and 10-15% fibre. In addition, the same study notes that sugarcane juice is widely used in India for the treatment of jaundice, haemorrhage, dysuria, anuria, and other urinary diseases.
Is It Safe For Diabetics?
According to Dr Raj, sugarcane juice has many health benefits. However, it is high in sugar, a carbohydrate that the body breaks down into glucose, and may raise blood sugar levels.
Dr Raj said, “A 250 ml of juice consists of 50 gm of sugar, which is more than 12 teaspoons of sugar; Adult women should not consume more than 24 grams per day and men should not consume more than 36 grams.”
Although it can be given to diabetics, one must ensure that it is in very small quantities, best if avoided, the doctor added.
What Is The Glycemic Index In Sugarcane Juice?
“The Glycemic iIndex (GI) is a tool that measures how quickly a food or drink can increase blood sugar levels. The ideal GI for diabetics is in the range of 50-55,” said Dr Raj. “Although sugarcane juice has a GI of 43, which is much less than the recommended dose for diabetics, only a small quantity can be given,” she added.
Though sugarcane juice has a low GI, it still has a high Glycemic Load (GL), which means it does impact blood sugar levels. However, sugarcane juice can be helpful for patients who have sudden sugar drops, also known as hypoglycemic (low sugar), which will help to increase the sugar levels.
Also Read: Study Finds Mediterranean Diet Lowers Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes: Know What Our Expert Has To Say
What A High Blood Sugar Looks Like
If you have a spike in blood sugar levels, your body may show certain symptoms. These include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired and weak
- Feeling irritable or extreme mood changes
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Increased infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections
Healthier Alternatives During Summer
If you’re a diabetic and looking for healthy juice alternatives, here are some options:
- Vegetable salads
- Tender coconut
- Buttermilk
- Jaljeera
- Lemonade
- High-fibre and protein-rich vegetable smoothies and juices
Conclusion
Living with diabetes can be troublesome. A lot of things have to be kept in mind, especially in respect to your diet. Having said that, consult with your doctor before including any sugary foods, even if you think they’re healthy and nutritious. Avoid fried, processed, baked, and sugary foods. Do not include simple carbs like pasta, white bread, and rice to your diet. Limit sugar-sweetened drinks or beverages. These may be harmful for people with diabetes.