Fruit

[PIP18]

Can you still eat fruit if you have diabetes? Fruit has natural sugar, but it is in fact still sugar. I love fruit and I would hate to have to stop eating it if I was diagnosed.

[lavanay]

It depends on your blood sugar level. You have to keep a balance. You can have any fruit if your blood sugar is normal. In fact doctors recommend taking plenty of fruit and vegetables in balanced proportions.

[justagirl]

It really all depends on the individual. Everyones body processes foods differently, if you are diabetic and can eat fruit without a spike in your levels then that is great but that does not mean that evey diabetic can eat fruit nor does it mean that evey diabetic can't eat fruit if you are on the other end of the spectrum.


justagirl

[Thumperfive]

you can eat fruit, but you have to be careful about it - discuss it with your doctor first, and carefully monitor your sugar before and after you eat - depending on the fruit it may not be a bad idea.

[joanne]

Use the glycemic index (GI) to identify which fruits doesn't raise the blood sugar levels fast. Those ranked 55 and below are low in GI while those between 56 to 69 are medium; these low or medium GI fruits should be chosen. Examples are apple, plum, orange, banana, pineapple, and raisins. Avoid high GI fruits such as watermelon and dried dates.

[destiny]

Thanks for this list, Joanne! It will be very helpful and I will pass it onto my diabetic family members to use. (With a reminder to ask their doctor first, of course, as with all things). I was following along pretty well and knowing why these things were on the list, but when you got to watermelon... well that one really threw me! Interesting, and something I wouldn't have guessed!

- Des

[superkicker]

http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp

has great links and tips!

[destiny]

Wow, superkicker, great link... I just loaded it! It seems especially useful in things like the recipe of the day, tip of the day, etc. It will be interesting to keep watch of the research, too.

[candyman]

Yes, most people can still eat fruit, but be sure to check your blood sugar level before and after eating it just to be on the safe side. Like my mother used to always say to us, "better safe than sorry!"

[Thumperfive]

yep - you can't test TOO much, to be honest... and just keep an eye on everything else around you!

(especially the fruit JUICE!!!)