Being mindful of what you eat, including the fruits you choose, is essential to managing diabetes.
Fruit is generally a healthy choice, but some types might raise your blood sugar levels more quickly than others. Therefore, it becomes important to understand which ones to limit or avoid.
AllRecipes states, “What identifies a fruit as better or worse is really the amount of sugar that fruit has and where it lies on the glycemic index.”
The above source also mentions that the glycemic index is a crucial tool for diabetics, it measures how quickly food is taken into the bloodstream and processed.
According to Medical News Today, “Understanding the fruits’ complete nutritional makeup and adjusting diet plans accordingly is critical. Certain fruits are considerably heavier in sugar than others, and not all are equal.”
Meanwhile, Zoe Fienman, a registered dietitian claims that even if you have diabetes, you can still benefit from all fruits. They contain all of the vitamins, minerals, and fibre that your body needs.
The above-registered dietitian also states, “If the glycemic index is high, that means that food breaks down more quickly which can cause a spike in blood sugar more rapidly” and further notes that as with any food, different people may digest or respond to it in various ways. While some diabetics may be able to eat bananas without experiencing a significant rise in blood sugar, others may need to stay away from them completely.
Eating Well claims, “Working with a certified diabetes expert or registered dietitian nutritionist is a great way to learn how to eat the foods you love, like fruit, in a balanced diet if you have diabetes.”
Also see: World Diabetes Day: Unpacking the different types of treatments