How Does Refined Sugar Affect Diabetics?

Immediate Effect

When a diabetic eats refined sugar, the first effect is a rapid rise in blood glucose levels. High blood sugar levels lead to a feeling of hunger, even if the diabetic just ate a meal. High blood sugar levels can also cause mood changes in a diabetic, as well as numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities.

Filtration

A diabetic's insulin response is impaired, which results in an inability to reduce blood sugar levels. When blood glucose levels remain high, the kidneys act to filter the excess sugar from the blood, and excrete it in urine. In order to produce enough urine to flush the sugar from the body, the kidneys must draw fluid from the diabetic's body tissues. The symptoms that result from this process include excess urination, and dehydration. Dehydration typically manifests as constant and extreme thirst.

Long-Term Effects

Diabetics who consume refined sugar on a regular basis experience several different types of health problems. Ongoing dehydration affects vision, causing an inability to focus. This results in extra blood vessels in the eye, which can cause permanent vision changes. Weight loss is also experienced by diabetics who are not managing their condition with insulin. Weight loss is a result of the diabetic's inability to use the calories in their food for energy, a process facilitated by insulin.

Mitigating Factors

Consuming sugar with other foods, especially foods high in fiber or fat, will slow the absorption of the sugar into the bloodstream. Slowing the absorption rate gives the diabetic's body more time to process the sugar, and will keep blood glucose levels from rising too rapidly.

References

• Symptoms of Diabetes
• Carbohydrate Counting
• Diabetes Symptoms