### Is Brown Sugar Healthier Than White Sugar for People with Diabetes? Many people believe that brown sugar is a healthier alternative to white sugar. However, if you have diabetes, it's important to understand the differences and health effects of these sugars. Both brown and white sugar come from the same sources: sugar beet or sugarcane. Nutritionally, they are almost identical. Brown sugar is made by adding molasses to refined white sugar, which gives it a darker color and a small amount of vitamins and minerals. Gram for gram, brown sugar is slightly lower in calories and carbs than white sugar and contains more calcium, iron, and potassium. However, the amounts of these nutrients are insignificant in a typical serving. On the glycemic index (GI), which measures how much certain foods increase blood sugar levels, both brown and white sugar score 65. This means they raise blood sugar levels as much as foods like french fries and sweet potatoes. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for people with diabetes. Moderating your intake of carb- and sugar-rich foods can help control blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes complications. Both brown and white sugar are composed of sucrose, which can spike blood sugar levels. Therefore, brown sugar is no healthier than white sugar for people with diabetes. Any kind of added sugar should be limited as part of a healthy diet. Excess sugar intake is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease. Some research suggests that excess sugar also impairs insulin sensitivity, which is how responsive your body is to insulin. Damaged insulin sensitivity reduces your ability to transport sugar from your bloodstream to your cells efficiently. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to under 6 teaspoons (25 grams, or 100 calories) per day for women and under 9 teaspoons (37.5 grams, or 150 calories) per day for men. If you have diabetes, reducing your sugar intake as much as possible can improve your blood sugar control and overall health. To develop an appropriate diet plan, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. Despite slight differences in taste, brown and white sugar have a very similar nutrient profile and effect on blood sugar levels. Therefore, brown sugar does not provide any benefits to people with diabetes. Everyone, especially those with diabetes, should moderate their sugar intake for optimal health.