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When people think about diabetes, insulin and control of sweets, we usually think about sugar.  There is, however, an insidious sweet that many people don’t think about high fructose corn syrup and diabetes.

One of the reasons that high fructose corn syrup is not noticed as much as sugar because it is not always presented in the ingredients portion of a label in a straightforward manner.  In fact it is downright disguised.  Since people with diabetes need to control carbohydrates and sugar, knowing that high fructose corn syrup is an ingredient is essential, because high fructose corn syrup is basically a disguise for sugar.  This being true, trying to hide the fact that high fructose corn syrup is in a product can be dangerous for individuals with diabetes.

This is not an uncommon situation.  Since 1970, the amount of high fructose corn syrup used has risen by 1000%.  In fact, it is being used as a sweetener in 40% of all products.  It is a combination of fructose and glucose which is an essential point for diabetics.

Glucose is a sugar transported through the bloodstream.  When someone with diabetes measures their “blood sugar” they are measuring glucose levels.  Fructose is a type of sugar found in fruits and honey.  Together, they create high fructose corn syrup.

Consuming glucose is not truly healthy to a person with diabetes.  Fructose in the diet is not harmful by itself, but it can be if consumed too much or if it is not known what amounts you are consuming.  Since fructose is found in fruit, which is a healthy part of diet for diabetes in moderation, it is also important to find the balance and keep an eye on the amount of fruit you are eating and the hidden fructose in products you consume.

If you have diabetes look carefully at the role high fructose corn syrup in your diet.  Research the ways that companies try to conceal and disguise it.  Check with your physician and local or national diabetes organizations or your local hospital to get information on a healthy diabetes diet.