This is an archive article published on April 3, 2024

Why has Arvind Kejriwal been allowed to keep toffees with him in Tihar jail?

Simple carbohydrates such as sucrose, fructose, and lactose which are found in fruits and dairy products give immediate energy bursts.

Arvind Kejriwal is a low blood sugar patient (Express Photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

4 min readNew DelhiApr 18, 2024 03:49 PM IST First published on: Apr 3, 2024 at 02:42 PM IST

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who has been lodged in Tihar Jail after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in an excise policy-linked money laundering case, has been allowed to keep toffees with him in the cell. According to a PTI report, officials saw Kejriwal keeping devices like a sugar sensor and glucometer, along with isabgol, glucose, and toffees on his table. The report further noted that the court had directed jail authorities to allow Kejriwal, a diabetic, to carry these items to be used in case of a sudden dip in his sugar levels.

AAP leader Atishi took to X to write that Kejriwal has lost 4.5 kg since he was arrested on March 21, which is very “worrying”. “Arvind Kejriwal is a severe diabetic. Despite health problems, he used to work 24 hours a day to serve the country. Since his arrest, Arvind Kejriwal has lost 4.5 kg of weight. This is very worrying,” said Atishi.

Why are toffees recommended for controlling fluctuating blood sugar levels?

Dr Bimal Chhajer, senior cardiologist, a former consultant at AIIMS and director, SAAOL Heart Centre, New Delhi shared that as sugar can quickly raise glucose levels in those with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), toffees are occasionally used to treat variable blood sugar levels. “Those with diabetes, who need to control their blood sugar levels, are frequently advised to use them,” said Dr Chhajer.

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Simple carbohydrates such as sucrose, fructose, and lactose which are found in fruits and dairy products give immediate energy bursts. Such simple carbohydrates are also seen in processed forms like chocolate, toffees, and sweets. “Eating toffees can quickly raise blood glucose levels in someone experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), alleviating symptoms like weakness, shakiness, and confusion,” said Dr Chhajer.

Toffees or sugary snacks can cause blood sugar surges (Source: Freepik)

But remember that eating too many toffees or sugary snacks can cause blood sugar surges, which can be dangerous, particularly for people who have diabetes. “Excessive intake of sugary foods can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a subsequent crash, exacerbating the problem. Additionally, individuals with diabetes should be mindful of their overall sugar intake and consider healthier alternatives with lower glycemic indexes to manage blood sugar levels more effectively,” said Dr Pankaj Verma, senior consultant, internal medicine, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram.

What to keep in mind?

The right quantity of toffees to consume varies depending on personal characteristics including weight, activity level, and blood sugar levels. The best source of individualised guidance on controlling blood sugar levels and diet is a healthcare provider,” said Dr Chhajer.

What causes fluctuation in sugar levels in the body?

Notably, attaining and maintaining normal glucose levels, between 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) and 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), is a difficult task for persons with diabetes. As such, episodes of fluctuating blood sugars called glycaemic variability, can occur. “This refers to swings in blood glucose, including episodes of high sugars i.e. hyperglycaemia, and low sugars i.e. Hypoglycaemia,” mentioned Dr Bimal Chhajer.

Elderly diabetic patients are mostly susceptible to low sugar levels owing to not eating adequate diet, stress, sleep disturbances, and more. Experts suggest that low sugar levels are also seen in patients with severe infection, sepsis, chronic kidney and liver issues as well as those with cancers.