Comparison of blood glucose responses by cane sugar (Saccharum officinarum) versus coconut jaggery (Cocos nucifera) in type 2 diabetes patients

Abstract

Type 2 diabetic mellitus is a predominant metabolic disorder that has a direct impact on human health. Although scientific data are deficit, coconut jaggery has been suggested as a better alternative for cane sugar by some individuals. This study was conducted to assess the credibility of this claim. Coconut jaggery was prepared at Coconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka and nutritional composition of coconut jaggery was compared with cane sugar using standard methods. Significantly higher (P 23.0). The mean fasting blood glucose level and HbA1c of the subjects were (149.05 ± 54.88) mg/dL and (9.170 ± 2.022)%, respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in peak blood glucose concentrations or incremental area under the curve in blood glucose response of two test food. Therefore, coconut jaggery cannot be considered as a healthy substitute for cane sugar in type 2 diabetic patients.

Keywords

• Cane sugar
• Coconut jaggery
• Glycemic responses
• Type 2 diabetes