The best fruit diet for diabetes

If you are living with diabetes, you may have found all kinds of conflicting information about diabetes-friendly diet. And the most common misconception about this diet is that fruits should not be a part of your diet. This is not true.

People with type 2 diabetes have to be careful about their carbohydrate intake as it directly affects the blood sugar level. According to a study conducted in 2013, fruits can be a part of a diabetic meal plan.

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According to Dr Pradeep Gadge of Dr Gadge’s Diabetes Care Clinic, “People with diabetes need to consider the glycemic index and glycemic load of fruits. When the glycemic load of a certain fruit is on the higher side, this means that there will be more fluctuation in blood sugar level.” Fruits are beneficial to not only your overall health, but the added fibre should be an important part of a diabetic meal plan.

But this doesn’t mean that diabetics should avoid fruits all together. Eating in moderation has always been considered a healthy alternative. “One size doesn’t fit all. If you are someone with higher fluctuations you need to control portions and consult a nutritionist for an opinion,” he adds.

According to Dhaval Shah, co-founder of Pharmeasy, an organisation that works with diabetic patients, these are some of the fruits that diabetics can snack on.

Pears: This fruit has a glycemic index of 38. The healthiest option would be to eat them with their peel on.

Oranges: Oranges have a glycemic index of 40. Apart from providing a boost of vitamin C, oranges offer a good dose of fiber.

Cherries: The little fruits pack a punch. Cherries have a glycemic index of just 20 but are abundant in nutrients. Rich in potassium, antioxidants, and fiber, cherries are good for your immune system and your heart. They have a rather short growing season so canned cherries can be substituted as long as low in sugar.

Grapefruits: This citrus fruit has a glycemic index of 25. Vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium and fiber are some of the nutrients they are rich in. Grapefruits help maintain healthy heart function and are good for digestion. They also boost immunity.