ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ

One of the biggest myths about living with diabetes is that all sweets are off the table. There's plenty of diagnoses and biases about what people living with diabetes should or should not eat.

If you are craving something sweet but still want to keep your glucose levels in check, we serve you sweet news: Dark chocolate has the potential to help control your blood sugar — and could reduce your risk of diabetes if you don’t have it, according to

We’ll dish out the details on how dark chocolate boasts health benefits. As always, consult a medical professional, such as a physician or registered dietitian, before modifying your diet or insulin use.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate on Diabetes

Daily consumption of dark chocolate is associated with positive effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar — two key factors in developing diabetes.

The secret of how dark chocolate works against diabetes lies within the sweet snack's makeup. Dark chocolate contains polyphenols, which are naturally occurring compounds that have antioxidant properties (which protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules).

Polyphenols in dark chocolate may improve insulin sensitivity, or how well insulin works in the body. This, in turn, may help control blood sugar. Such improved insulin sensitivity may delay, or even prevent, the onset of diabetes.

A study of 192,000 participants published by the journal BMJ found that those who had more or equal to five servings of dark chocolate per week had a .

But what if you already have diabetes? Well, there may be some benefits of dark chocolate consumption for you, too. Research presented by ARYA Atherosclerosis analyzed people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who consumed 25 grams of either dark or white chocolate for eight weeks. Those who ate dark chocolate than those who ate white chocolate. The dark chocolate eaters also had decreased fasting blood sugar.

What Kind of Dark Chocolate is Best?

It's important to remember that not all chocolate is created equal. You want to be weary of added sugars and fats that may cause your glucose levels to spike.

Check also if the dark chocolate has been processed with alkali (the process that makes cocoa less bitter, but it eliminates the health properties in the chocolate). Opt instead for a dark chocolate that has not been processed.

Remember, it's the polyphenol-rich dark chocolate that contains antioxidants, and the higher percentage of cocoa, the better health advantages.

Enjoy Dark Chocolate in Moderation

With all things, moderation is key. And just because dark chocolate can be good in moderation, it doesn’t mean you should ignore the rest of your diet. Don’t forget about your fruits and vegetables, too.

But when you do want to get your fix, having a bite of a dark chocolate bar is a great choice. Or, perhaps you sprinkle cocoa nibs on your yogurt or add it to a protein shake. Whatever it is, you can rest easy knowing that dark chocolate isn’t causing your glucose levels to rise.

This story has been updated and was originally published Aug. 11, 2017.