Final answer:
High fructose corn syrup is used as a sweetener in many processed foods and beverages. It increases the ratio of simple to complex carbohydrates in the diet. This can be problematic for people with diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is commonly used as a sweetener in many processed foods and beverages. It is made from corn starch that is processed to convert some of the glucose into fructose. HFCS is known to increase the ratio of simple to complex carbohydrates in the diet.
Diets high in refined (simple) carbohydrates, such as those found in foods containing HFCS, can be problematic for people with diabetes. These carbohydrates are quickly broken down into glucose, causing blood sugar levels to spike. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, take longer to digest and do not spike blood sugar levels as rapidly.
Therefore, consuming high fructose corn syrup can contribute to an increased intake of simple carbohydrates and may have negative health effects, especially for people with diabetes.