At the Mid-Autumn Festival, families gather together, and mooncakes become an indispensable symbol of the holiday, symbolizing reunion and happiness. There are various types of mooncakes available on the market, ranging from traditional fillings like five nuts, black sesame, date paste to modern flavors like egg yolk. For those in good health, consuming one or two mooncakes in moderation is fine. However, diabetics often both crave and worry about mooncakes, fearing a loss of control over blood sugar levels after consumption.
In reality, due to their high sugar and high fat content, mooncakes may exacerbate blood sugar fluctuations, posing a potential risk to diabetics. Diabetics already need to strictly monitor their sugar intake to prevent diabetes-related complications like retinopathy, diabetic foot, and kidney disease. However, this does not mean that diabetics must completely avoid mooncakes; the key is to consume them in a scientifically appropriate amount.
Speaking of sugar-free mooncakes, they are not completely sugar-free but refer to foods with a sugar content of less than 0.5% per 100 grams. These mooncakes typically use sweeteners like xylitol instead of sucrose. Although xylitol has a minimal impact on blood sugar, its metabolism still produces sugar, coupled with the starch in the mooncake crust that can also convert into sugars. Therefore, diabetics can enjoy sugar-free mooncakes in small quantities when their blood sugar is stable.
So, how can diabetics enjoy mooncakes healthily?
– Control consumption: Divide the mooncake into four small pieces and only consume one small piece at a time, reducing the intake of other carbohydrates to prevent exceeding sugar and calorie limits.
– Choose low-sugar, low-oil mooncakes: Prefer low-sugar, low-fat products, or even make mooncakes at home to accurately control sugar, salt, and seasonings, ensuring that the food is both hygienic and healthy.
– Include exercise: Engage in physical activities after the mooncake meal, such as walking, cycling, or jogging, to help burn extra calories and promote stable blood sugar levels.
Particularly for diabetics with poor blood sugar control or severe complications, cautious dietary choices are crucial to avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar levels and acute or chronic complications. During the festival, maintain regular eating patterns, avoid drinking on an empty stomach to prevent hypoglycemia, which can lead to irreversible nerve damage when severe. Also, monitor blood sugar levels regularly and understand one’s blood sugar management status promptly, making this Mid-Autumn Festival both warm and healthy.
