Endocrinologist Galina Smirnova: There are many myths about the effect of sugar on the body.
Doctor Smirnova pointed out the myths about sugar in a comment to Izvestia. One of them, the doctor said, is the statement about the need for sugar for the brain. The specialist noted that although the brain uses glucose as its main source of energy, this does not mean that you need to eat sugar. Blood glucose levels rise after eating different foods – it is important that this does not happen too abruptly. Therefore, the diet should include the right, complex carbohydrates.
Another myth is that sugar causes diabetes. Smirnova clarified that products containing it can quickly lead to obesity, but it is obesity that is one of the factors of type II diabetes. If a person suffers from obesity, although he does not eat sweets, he is equally susceptible to it. Type I diabetes is not associated with sugar consumption.
Smirnova drew attention to the fact that sugar consumed in normal physiological quantities does not cause harm – its level is regulated in the body with the help of insulin. There is no need to completely give up sugar – as such, it is not dangerous to health and life.
Also, there is no need to replace sugar with fructose (for example, sweeteners containing it). The fact that it is healthier for the body is a myth.
“Fructose increases blood sugar levels more slowly than glucose, but this does not mean that it is completely safe. Fructose is also a carbohydrate and can affect metabolism,” the expert warned.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote about the symptoms of sugar addiction, they were named by endocrinologist Kamilya Tabeeva.
Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Galina Smirnova Healthy lifestyle endocrinologist