Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

Q:
I read that carob powder can help control type II diabetes. Is this so and how?

A:
I don't believe I've ever heard this one. Carob, St. John's Bread, is used as a chocolate substitute, particularly for those people allergic to chocolate. Also, there's no caffeine in carob. In powder form, both carob and chocolate, unsweetened, will not raise blood sugar in normal amounts. As a candy, carob is just as high in fats and sugars as chocolate.