Firstly, leading charity Diabetes UK assured that “you can have chocolate”, but moderation and low frequency are key. Eating everything “in one sitting” is a no-no. Chocolate will affect your blood sugar levels as it is high in sugar and saturated fat. Also, eating too much chocolate will lead to unintentional weight gain.
As such, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar will be more difficult to control.
“On average, chocolate candies contain 50g of sugar per 100g,” Diabetes UK noted.
The charity added that people’s free sugar intake should be less than 30g.
Therefore, by eating an entire chocolate bar, you are exceeding the maximum amount of sugar you should consume.
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What about “diabetic” chocolate?
Diabetes UK does not recommend “diabetic” chocolate, which is just as high in fat and calories as regular chocolate.
“It can still raise blood sugar levels and is often more expensive than regular chocolate,” the charity added.
What chocolate is the best chocolate?
According to the charity, “good quality dark chocolate” containing at least 70 per cent cocoa is the “best”.
To help prevent yourself from bingeing on chocolate, regardless of the percentage of cocoa, it’s helpful to decide how much you’re going to eat and then save it.
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Does excess sugar cause diabetes?
Dietitian Douglas Twenefour said: “Diabetes It’s a complex condition, so we can’t just say it’s caused by eating sugar.”
However, people at risk of diabetes are advised to follow a healthy diet low in saturated fat, sugar, and salt.
This is also true for people who already suffer from the condition of high blood sugar.
Harvard Health experts said diabetics should “pay special attention” to their carbohydrate intake.
Refined carbohydrates, for example, are likely to cause sugar spikes.
Examples of refined carbohydrates include white bread, white rice, and pastries.
Meanwhile, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide more nutrition and are digested more slowly in the body.
Slower digestion means there will be a more moderate rise in blood sugar.
The best snacks for diabetics
If you decide you still want a treat, but don’t want the dangers of consuming too much chocolate, what can you eat?
Diabetes UK recommends a handful of seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Alternatives include carrot and celery with salsa or hummus, unsweetened frozen yogurt, or unsalted nuts.
If you find yourself reaching for snacks when you’re bored, excited, or nervous, recognize the behavior and take steps to change it.
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