Many people living with diabetes carefully avoid sugar, but not all threats come from obvious sources. Some ingredients hidden in “sugar-free” or “diet” products can still raise blood sugar sharply. One such ingredient is now gaining attention after a warning from a health expert on a diabetic food channel.
According to the expert, certain processed ingredients may be even more dangerous for people with diabetes than regular glucose or table sugar. The concern is not just what tastes sweet, but how the body reacts to hidden forms of carbohydrates that act like fast sugar in the bloodstream.
Diabetes Expert Explains Why Glycemic Load Matters
The expert explains that understanding diabetes control is not only about avoiding sugar but also about studying something called glycemic load. It shows how quickly a food raises blood sugar after consumption.
He said, “A diabetic patient should always avoid one specific food item because it can be extremely dangerous for blood sugar control.”
This food is considered even more harmful than glucose in some cases. To understand whether any food is safe for diabetes, we use glycemic load. Foods with low glycemic load are generally safe, while high glycemic load foods are not recommended. The ingredient discussed is maltodextrin.
What Is Maltodextrin And Why Experts Warn About It
Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate made from corn (maize). It is created through enzymatic hydrolysis of corn starch, where enzymes and water break starch into a fast-digesting sugar-like substance.
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The expert explains why it can be risky for diabetes:
- Glucose has a glycemic index of 100
- 100g glucose glycemic load = 100
- Maltodextrin glycemic index can reach 110 or more
- 100g maltodextrin glycemic load = 110
This means maltodextrin may raise blood sugar faster than glucose itself. Even compared to table sugar (glycemic index around 65), maltodextrin shows a significantly higher impact on blood sugar levels. This is why experts warn that some “sugar-free” products may still be unsafe for people managing diabetes.
Diabetes Risk In “Sugar-Free” Products
One of the biggest concerns highlighted is labelling. Many products marketed as sugar-free still contain maltodextrin as a filler or thickening agent. For people with diabetes, this can be misleading. They may assume the product is safe, but their blood sugar may still spike unexpectedly.
Experts suggest:
- Always check ingredient labels carefully
- Avoid processed foods with maltodextrin
- Do not rely only on sugar-free claims
- Focus on glycemic load, not just sweetness
Managing diabetes requires more than avoiding obvious sugar. Hidden ingredients like maltodextrin can silently affect blood sugar control. Awareness, label reading and understanding glycemic load can help people make safer food choices and avoid unexpected sugar spikes.
