| Diwali is celebrated with grandeur across India, bringing together families and friends in joyous gatherings, marked by firecrackers, delicious feasts, and the exchange of sweet treats. However, for individuals with both a sweet tooth and diabetes, the festival can be a source of concern. While it's well-known that sweets can have detrimental effects on those with diabetes, there's no need to let it diminish your Diwali spirits. Dr. Dinesh Kumar Tyagi, Director of the Internal Medicine Department at Fortis Hospital (Greater Noida), offers some alternatives and substitutes for diabetic patients to enjoy a healthier Diwali. According to Dr Tyagi, individuals with high blood sugar, especially those whose blood sugar spikes rapidly, should steer clear of traditional sweets and fried foods. Traditional sweets are often laden with refined sugar, which can cause an immediate spike in blood sugar levels. Instead, Dr Tyagi recommends preparing sugar-free sweets at home, offering a safer and more diabetic-friendly option. For those who enjoy making sweets at home, ingredients like stevia grass or candy leaf can be used as sweeteners in place of sugar. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It has been used for centuries in various cultures, including Japan, China, India, Mexico, South America, and Africa. Stevia can sweeten a wide range of dishes and beverages without causing abrupt blood sugar spikes. |
