Many diabetic patients believe that high blood sugar means they cannot eat fruit, but this is actually a misconception. In fact, there are still fruits suitable for diabetics, and some can even help lower blood sugar. For patients with high blood sugar, it is best to choose fruits with low sugar content while also paying attention to their calorie content. Only in this way can we keep our blood sugar levels stable…
3 Types of Fruit Suitable for Diabetics
1. Apple
The pectin in apples can help prevent high cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. The dietary fiber in apples helps regulate blood sugar and prevents sharp spikes and drops, so consuming apples in moderation can be beneficial for preventing and managing diabetes. Additionally, apples are rich in potassium, which is very beneficial for patients with high blood pressure and can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
2. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is high in fiber, low in sugar, and low in calories, making it very beneficial for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high uric acid. It also contains protein, dietary fiber, and B vitamins, which can help prevent diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
3. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is rich in calcium, vitamin C, carotene, flavonoids, choline, and other substances. It can promote blood circulation, lower blood lipids, reduce blood sugar, prevent arteriosclerosis, improve heart function, and stimulate the central nervous system. It plays a good role in preventing diabetic vascular complications.
Four Basic Principles for Diabetics Eating Fruit
1. Blood Sugar Standards
Before eating fruit, your blood sugar should meet the following standards: fasting blood sugar below 140mg/dl, blood sugar 2 hours after meals below 180mg/dl, glycated hemoglobin below 7.5%, and no frequent occurrences of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. If you cannot meet these standards, you can first substitute fruits with options like cucumbers and tomatoes.
2. Timing for Eating Fruit
Fruit is generally eaten as a snack, between two main meals (e.g., at 10 AM or 3 PM) or one hour before bedtime. This helps avoid consuming too many carbohydrates at once and overloading the pancreas. It is generally not recommended to eat fruit immediately before or after a meal.
3. Quantity of Fruit to Eat
Based on the impact of fruit on blood sugar, you can eat about 200 grams of fruit per day (which provides approximately 90 kcal of energy). At the same time, you should reduce your staple food intake by half a liang (25 grams). This is the principle of food exchange to keep the total daily caloric intake constant.
4. Choosing the Right Fruit
The carbohydrate content of various fruits ranges from 6% to 20%. You should choose fruits with a relatively low sugar content and a slower rate of blood sugar increase.
It is hoped that this article will give everyone a specific understanding of which fruits are suitable for diabetics and help diabetic patients receive detailed care that is appropriate for their physical condition.