Can Diabetics Eat Fruit?

In recent decades, diabetes has become a common disease among Mexicans; however, there are many myths surrounding this illness. For example, it is often said that diabetics cannot eat fruit, but this is completely false. Here, we explain why.  Can Diabetics Eat Fruit? The answer is yes, but before heading to the kitchen for a mango, pay close attention. Fruits contain carbohydrates, fructose, and glucose, and these substances will have a direct impact on your blood sugar levels, which you should monitor according to your doctor's recommendations. Moreover, a scientific study published in 2013 showed that the consumption of apples, blueberries, and grapes is linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, so as long as you follow your doctor's guidelines and consume fruits with a low glycemic index in appropriate portions, there is nothing to worry about.  You can also read: The Healthiest Foods for Diabetics What is Diabetes?  The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in the United States (NIDDK) explains that diabetes is a disease that occurs “when the blood glucose level, also known as blood sugar, is too high.” Later, high sugar levels can cause health problems.   It is important to mention that there are several types of diabetes, although the most common are type 1 and type 2, and there is also gestational diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes: According to the NIDDK, the immune system begins to attack the pancreas cells responsible for producing insulin. Although it affects people of all ages, it is most commonly seen in children and young adults.    Type 2 Diabetes: In this type of diabetes, the NIDDK explains that it is not due to an autoimmune problem, as the body does not produce insulin or does not use it properly. This is the most common type of diabetes and is more prevalent in adults and the elderly, but it can also affect children.  Today, diabetes mellitus has become a major public health issue, as it became the third leading cause of death in 2021, according to data published by INEGI. Although it is a disease that can be controlled with certain medications and habits, it is essential for patients to monitor their diet rigorously, so this time we will tell you which foods are the healthiest for diabetics, as well as which ones should be avoided at all costs.  You can also read: Recipes Suitable for People with Type 2 Diabetes MellitusWhat Do Experts Say About Diabetes and Fruit? Clinical nutritionist Jennifer Asencio, who has over 20 years of experience and specializes in diabetes and kidney diseases, explains which fruits diabetic patients can consume, which they cannot, and provides excellent recommendations for maintaining your health through diet. The nutrition expert points out that these are the fruits that diabetic patients should avoid due to their high glycemic index: papaya melon  watermelon banana dried plum raisins dates dried blueberries mango On the other hand, despite the myths surrounding diabetic diets, these are the fruits that can be consumed, according to the nutritionist: strawberry grape raspberry blackberry orange pineapple yellow apple guava fig The nutritionist Jennifer Asencio explains that, in the case of diabetes, fruit consumption “is not about the taste, it is about the glycemic index, that is, the speed at which glucose rises after you eat a food. This is how the classification [of fruits] for diabetes patients is made.”  On the other hand, the nutrition expert recommends not drinking fruit juices if you have diabetes, unless they are green juices made 100% from vegetables. Fruits should also not be combined, as consuming more than one will quickly increase fructose levels and, consequently, blood glucose levels.  You can also read: Everything You Need to Know About a Diet for Diabetics