Excessive sugar consumption is becoming a global health concern, with many individuals unknowingly exceeding theWorld Health Organization’s recommended daily limit of 50 grams (12 teaspoons). Much of this overconsumption comes fromhidden sugars in processed foods, packaged snacks, and fast food items. Regular intake of excess sugar is strongly linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and poor oral health.Thankfully, severalnatural sweeteners offer a healthier substitute without compromising on taste. Let’s explore the most popular ones:1. SteviaOrigin: Used for centuries in South America.Benefits: Containsstevioside, which is over 200 times sweeter than sugar. It has zero calories and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for diabetics and people aiming for weight loss.Drawback: Some users experience a metallic aftertaste.2. ErythritolOrigin: Naturally found in some fruits.Benefits: Very low in calories, does not raise blood sugar or cholesterol levels, and is generally better tolerated than other sugar alcohols.Note: Excessive intake may still cause mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.3. XylitolOrigin: Found in fruits and vegetables.Benefits: As sweet as sugar but with a much lower glycemic impact. It also helps preventdental cavities and may improve bone health.Drawback: High doses may cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea.4. Monk Fruit SugarOrigin: Extracted from monk fruit, traditionally used in China since the 19th century.Benefits: Containsmogrosides, which make it more than 300 times sweeter than sugar. It haszero calories, no carbs, and does not affect blood sugar levels.Consideration: Choose products that are pure and not mixed with other artificial sweeteners.5. AlluloseOrigin: Found in small amounts in figs, raisins, and maple syrup.Benefits: Extremely low in calories, does not spike blood sugar, and is usually gentle on digestion compared to many artificial sweeteners.Health and LifestyleIncorporating natural sweeteners into your lifestyle can support long-term wellness:Balanced Diet: Use sweeteners sparingly and focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.Weight Management: Reducing sugar calories may help in controlling weight, but exercise and portion control remain essential.Oral Health: Xylitol, in particular, can improve dental hygiene by reducing cavity-causing bacteria.Sustainable Choices: Opt for minimally processed and naturally sourced products.When to AvoidIf you havedigestive sensitivities, avoid large quantities of sugar alcohols like xylitol or erythritol.Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before regular use of sweeteners.People withrare metabolic conditions (like phenylketonuria, PKU) should avoid certain sweeteners.Avoidblended products that mix natural sweeteners with artificial ones, as they may reduce health benefits.Simple Remedies for Cutting Down on SugarGradually replace table sugar in tea/coffee with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.Read food labels carefully to spot “hidden sugars” in sauces, breads, and packaged snacks.Opt for fresh fruits instead of packaged fruit juices.Stay hydrated — sometimes sugar cravings are actually thirst signals.Cook at home more often; this reduces dependence on processed foods.When to Visit a DoctorIf you experiencepersistent bloating, stomach cramps, or diarrhea after using sugar substitutes.If you arediabetic and notice unusual fluctuations in blood sugar despite using natural sweeteners.If you developallergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling.If you experienceunexplained fatigue, weight changes, or excessive sugar cravings even after dietary modifications.Before makingmajor changes in diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.People Also AskWhat is the healthiest natural sweetener?– Stevia and monk fruit are considered the healthiest as they don’t raise blood sugar and have no calories.Can diabetics safely use natural sweeteners?– Yes, most natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit are safe for diabetics when used in moderation.Do natural sweeteners help with weight loss?– They can support weight management by reducing calorie intake but should still be combined with a balanced diet and exercise.Is honey healthier than sugar?– Honey contains antioxidants and nutrients, but it is still high in calories and sugar, so it should be used sparingly.Can children consume these sweeteners?– Stevia and erythritol are generally safe for children, but always consult a pediatrician before regular use.Source:-1. Arshad, S., Rehman, T., Saif, S., Rajoka, M. S. R., Ranjha, M. M. A. N., Hassoun, A., Cropotova, J., Trif, M., Younas, A., & Aadil, R. M. (2022). Replacement of refined sugar by natural sweeteners: focus on potential health benefits. Heliyon, 8(9), e10711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e107112. Sharma, A., Amarnath, S., Thulasimani, M., & Ramaswamy, S. (2016). Artificial sweeteners as a sugar substitute: Are they really safe?. Indian journal of pharmacology, 48(3), 237–240. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.182888

According to the International Diabetes Federation(IDF), about 6 million death occur due to diabetes each year globally. Diabetes is commonly mistaken as a minor disease that doesn’t cause any further health issues, which is a myth. while, the fact is that if diabetes is left untreated then it can affect other organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.In this video we will discuss the most common myths about diabetes.1. Myth: People with diabetes can't eat sugar! Fact: This is the most common myth about diabetes, but that's not true.People with diabetes can eat sugar but in limitation instead of eating sugar free diets. Because sugar is essential for body to produce glucose, while excessive sugar intake can lead to high blood glucose. 2. Myth: Only Obese People Can Get Diabetes. Fact: People who are underweight or normal weight can also get diabetes. However, obese people are at higher risk of getting diabetes because, excess fat in the body stops the glucose from being transferred to the cells leading to high blood glucose. 3. Myth: I eat a lot of sweets and sugar daily, I’ll get diabetes. Fact: Eating sugar or sweets in moderation doesn't cause diabetes. But, the amount of carbohydrates you take and the amount of glucose that is made from those sugars can cause insulin resistance and make you overweight and hence increase the risk of diabetes. 4. Myth: Now, my blood sugar is under control, so I don't have to take diabetes medicines. Fact: Diabetes is a disease that can be controlled with a healthy lifestyle and food options, but it doesn't get cured. Instead it keeps progressing, so you should never stop eating diabetes medicine to keep your sugar level in control. 5. Myth: You can't drink alcohol if you are diabetic!Fact: You can drink alcohol in moderation, if you have diabetes. Drinking too much alcohol in diabetes can lead to severe hypoglycemia, a condition where your blood sugar levels drop.Source:-1.8 diabetes myths you shouldn't believe. (2024, June 13). 8 diabetes myths you shouldn't believe. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/myths-about-diet-and-diabetes2. Rai, M., & Kishore, J. (2009). Myths about diabetes and its treatment in North Indian population. International journal of diabetes in developing countries, 29(3), 129–132. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-3930.54290

Keep Your Diabetes in Control! The recommended best time to check the sugar level in diabetic people are: early in the morning before having any food and at night before going to bed.But in some cases, the doctor can keep a check of blood sugar after every 2 to 3 hours after a meal and sometimes at midnight, based on the severity of your condition.However, a diabetic person should consider testing their blood sugar in these cases:1. Whenever he or she feels dizziness, confusion, and blurry vision.2. When they have lunch or dinner in a restaurant or junk food.3. When they get stressed out4. After every workout or exercise5. When prescribed new medicines by their doctor6. And Whenever they take an overdose of insulin or anti-diabetic medicines.These are a few recommendations, but you must take sugar tests if you experience any other symptoms of high blood sugar or low blood sugar.Source:-1. Mathew TK, Zubair M, Tadi P. Blood Glucose Monitoring. [Updated 2023 Apr 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555976/2. Lal, A., Haque, N., Lee, J., Katta, S. R., Maranda, L., George, S., & Trivedi, N. (2021). Optimal Blood Glucose Monitoring Interval for Insulin Infusion in Critically Ill Non-Cardiothoracic Patients: A Pilot Study. Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, 92(1), e2021036. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v92i1.9083

Diabetes is caused by high blood sugar levels in the cells of the body, which can clog the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing the passage through the nephrons (the part of the kidney that filters blood).This can also lead to the buildup of waste products in the body, causing urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, and kidney damage.When diabetes affects the kidneys, this condition is known as diabetic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy.Diabetic Kidney Disease:Impact:Decreases kidney function.Over time, leads to kidney failure.Signs of Kidney Damage Due to Diabetes:Uncontrolled high blood pressureSwelling in feet and handsConfusion and disturbed thinkingLoss of appetiteNausea and vomitingItchinessFatigueWhen to See a Doctor:If you experience symptoms of diabetic kidney disease, seek a medical checkup.Get kidney tests done to assess kidney function.Source:-Diabetic Kidney Disease - NIDDK. (2024, May 22). Diabetic Kidney Disease - NIDDK. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-kidney-disease

When you are diabetic and experience high sugar levels, you might see these symptoms:- Feel thirsty frequently- Frequent urination- Feel tired- Infections- Blurred vision- Weight lossIn such cases, you can try these treatment options at home:1. Drink plenty of water: If you re diabetic and don't drink enough water, then the blood sugar can get concentrated making it harder to flow out in urine, leading to high blood sugar. So, drinking water can help dilute the sugar in the blood and eliminate it through urine. 2. Exercise: When you exercise, your body becomes sensitive to insulin, leading to lower blood sugar.3. Avoid Stress: When you are stressed, the body produces cortisol, a hormone that releases all stored glucose into the bloodstream leading to high blood sugar. Try to reduce stress by doing activities that you like such as: listening to your favorite songs.4. Have a Proper Sleep: When you don't sleep well, your body becomes more insensitive to insulin causing high blood sugar. So try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.5. Limit carbs intake: The more carbs you eat, the more glucose is formed in the body, which leads to high blood sugar. So, try to limit your carb intake.Remember to check your ketone levels, when you have symptoms of high blood sugar. If ketone levels are above 80 mg/ deciliter, consult your doctor immediately.Source:-1. About Sleep. (n.d.). About Sleep. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html2. Bolla, A. M., Caretto, A., Laurenzi, A., Scavini, M., & Piemonti, L. (2019). Low-Carb and Ketogenic Diets in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Nutrients, 11(5), 962. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu110509623. Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar. (n.d.). Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/carbohydrates/carbohydrates-and-blood-sugar/4. The importance of exercise when you have diabetes. (n.d.). The importance of exercise when you have diabetes. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-exercise-when-you-have-diabetesDisclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h…https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/

When you are diabetic and experience low sugar level, you might see these symptoms:- Confusion- Feel hunger- Dizziness and- SweatingIn such cases, you can try any of these treatment options at home or anywhere if you are away from medical assistance:1. You can eat 4 to 5 tablets of glucose by crushing and chewing them.2. You can drink 1 glass of fruit juice, like apple juice, pomegranate juice, or orange juice.3. You can also drink 1 glass of sugary soda or a cold drink.4. You can eat 5 sweet candies.5. Eat 3 teaspoons of honey, if you put the honey under your tongue then, it can get absorbed in the blood circulation, easily and faster.6. Drink one glass of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of sugar.You must test your sugar level after 15 minutes of trying any of these treatment options. If the blood sugar level increases up to 70mg/ deciliter or more then it is considered to be normal.If, the sugar level is below 70mg/ deciliter, then repeat the same treatment until your blood sugar rises above 70mg/ deciliter.Source:-1. Treating Low Blood Sugar. (n.d.). Treating Low Blood Sugar. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/treating-low-blood-sugar2. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar). (2024, May 24). Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/hypoglycemia-low-blood-sugarDisclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h…https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/

What are some common misconceptions about diabetes, and how can education help dispel these myths?These some are:-Temperature Control:Insulin should be stored in a cool place, ideally between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.Avoid freezing insulin, as it can lead to reduced effectiveness.Storage Options:Use a refrigerator or an insulated bag to store insulin.Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific storage recommendations.Protection from Heat and Sunlight:Keep insulin away from direct heat and sunlight to maintain its potency.Room Temperature Usage:Insulin can be safely used for up to 4 weeks at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F) after opening.Frequent Blood Sugar Monitoring:Check blood sugar levels more frequently than usual to detect any changes or fluctuations.Contact Your Doctor:In case of emergency or prolonged power outage, contact your doctor promptly.Source:-https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/managing-insulin-emergency.htmlDisclaimer:- This information is intended to supplement, not substitute, advice from your healthcare provider or doctor. It does not cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or side effects, and may not be appropriate for your specific healthcare needs. Always consult with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before modifying or discontinuing any prescribed portion of your healthcare plan or treatment, in order to determine the best course of therapy for you. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h…https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/

If you’re diabetic you must have been advised to avoid consuming fruits, especially those rich in carbohydrates. But you don’t need to avoid all the fruits, you can still enjoy some of them.Here we will get to know about one such fruit, BANANA.The banana is a highly nutritious and delicious fruit offering health benefits. It contains antioxidants and fibers which are good for your gut, heart and the whole body.Why should people with diabetes be cautious of the food they are consuming?Individuals with diabetes must be cautious when consuming carbohydrate-rich foods since these have the greatest impact on blood sugar levels compared to other nutrients. Therefore, the type of carbs consumed plays a significant role in blood sugar management. Furthermore, high-carb foods rank high on the glycemic index, which measures how quickly a certain food raises blood sugar levels.Suggested Read:Groundbreaking Discovery: Insulin Production To Combat DiabetesHow much sugar does a banana contain?Bananas contain sugar that can cause a higher rise in blood sugar than other foods. A medium banana contains 27 grams of carbs and 14 grams of sugar, but also has 3 grams of fiber. Fiber is beneficial for health and helps regulate blood sugar by slowing down carb digestion and absorption.Suggested Read:Benefits Of Okra Bhindi For DiabetesAre bananas safe for diabetics?Bananas are safe for people with diabetes because the carbohydrates in bananas provide glucose, which is needed for energy. However, the amount, ripeness, and pairing with other foods can affect blood sugar levels. Riper bananas have more sugar, while greener bananas have less sugar and more resistant starch, which has no effect on blood sugar. Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that can't be digested in your small intestine and improves digestion, reduces cholesterol, improves gut health, and improves insulin sensitivity in people with metabolic syndrome, including diabetes.Suggested Read:Guava's Benefits For DiabetesWhat are the health benefits of bananas?Bananas contain high fiber content which aids digestion and keeps yourgut healthy.Bananas provide energy to your body.Bananas contain potassium, fiber andantioxidants which enhances heart health.Bananas are also found to boost memory, and regulate mood.Bananas also stabilize blood sugar level and improve insulin sensitivity helping in managing diabetes.So all the patients of diabetes can enjoy eating bananas but remember to take it in moderate quantities, also mind the ripening of the fruit.