People with diabetes can eat fruits, but some should be limited to avoid a significant increase in blood sugar levels.
- Diabetes is characterized by blood sugar levels that are too high.
- To prevent this rate from increasing, it is recommended to limit certain fruits such as mango, banana, watermelon, dried fruits and pineapple.
- It is also better not to exceed two servings of fruit per day.
More than 4.3 million people are receiving treatment for diabetes in France. This chronic disease is characterized by hyperglycemia, a blood sugar level that is too high. Support also involves a balanced diet. Rich in sugars, fruits can increase blood sugar levels. On the site from the American Cleveland Clinic, Kate Patton, dietician, provides recommendations for consumption adapted to the pathology.
Diabetes: what are the five fruits to avoid?
According to her, no fruit is bad as such. On the other hand, some have a high glycemic index, which means they can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels. She advises consuming these in moderation. These are banana, mango, pineapple, raisins and watermelon.
Can a diabetic person eat processed fruits?
“Processed fruits like applesauce and canned fruits are not good for people with diabetes, she adds, because they have less fiber and may contain added sugar, and, therefore, can raise blood sugar more quickly.” If you wish to consume it despite everything, you must choose canned fruit in juice, not in syrup, and compote without added sugar. For dried fruits, it is also recommended to choose them without added sugar and to limit portions.Two tablespoons of raisins contain as many grams of carbohydrates as a small apple.”warns this specialist. She also emphasizes that fruit juice contains “lots of concentrated sugars without any fiber, so it can raise blood sugar quickly”she warns. She recommends avoiding them, and otherwise, limiting consumption to half a cup maximum.
How much fruit should you eat when you have diabetes?
Whether you have diabetes or not, health authorities recommend consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Kate Patton, however, suggests that people with the disease divide this amount in two: three servings of vegetables and two of fruit, because fruits are higher in calories and sugars than vegetables. It is also preferable to distribute these portions throughout the day, in order to avoid a spike in blood sugar.
Why are fruits good for health, even in cases of diabetes?
“Don’t be afraid of fruit”reassures the dietician. She points out that they contain healthy carbohydrates, necessary for good brain and red blood cell health. Their high fiber content helps balance sugars and slow down digestion. “This helps us feel fuller for longer and prevents blood sugar spikes.”she elaborates. Finally, they contain minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, beneficial for heart health.
