Design elements: Getty Images.
Key Takeaways
Diabetes and prediabetes are conditions that affect many Americans.
One day a headline tells you to avoid sugar altogether, and the next its OK to eat onlycertainsugars.
Photo:Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Believe me, even as a dietitian I know how confusing this can be.
Understanding Sugar and Diabetes
Sugar is a jot down of carbohydrate found in food.
In addition to providing sweetness, its a source of energy, contributing 4 calories per gram.
Sugar is found in plants and can also be made artificially in a lab.
However, in the case of diabetes, the bodys ability to regulate blood sugar is affected.
In someone without diabetes, blood sugar stays in a healthy range.
Heres a closer look at how sugar can affect your body if you have diabetes.
As a result, you may find it hard to concentrate or experience headaches.
This causes more water to be drawn into the urine, altering the bodys hydration status.
As a result, you may feel thirstier or need to pee more often.
You May Experience Blurred Vision
Ever noticed blurry vision after eating a high-sugar meal?
Over the long term, high blood sugar causes a host of chronic problems.
People with diabetes can certainly enjoy sugar.
The key is being mindful of how these foods fit into your overall treatment plan.
Here are a few expert strategies to keep in mind if you have diabetes.
It may also make it harder to concentrate or cause temporary changes in vision.
The good news is just because you have diabetes doesnt mean sugar is off the table.
Both Palinski-Wade and Weisenberger agree that insulin is one of the best tools for lowering blood sugar levels.
Weisenberger says, If you take insulin for diabetes, you may need to adjust your dose.
Sometimes, people who dont use insulin to manage their diabetes may need it for a day or so.
Physical activity can also help lower blood sugar levels.
Yes, all foods can fit in a diabetes-friendly diet.
Simply count the sugar as part of your carbohydrate allotment for that meal or snack, she adds.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).National Diabetes Statistic Report.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).Added Sugars on the Nutrition Facts Labels.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis.
Mouri MI, Badireddy M.Hyperglycemia.
In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes, Sexual and Bladder Problems.
National Eye Institute.Diabetic Retinopathy.
U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
2024;16(8):1170. doi:10.3390/nu16081170
