Best Diabetic-Friendly Fruits: 5 Ways to Choose the Right Ones

For people with diabetes, choosing the right fruits is essential to healthily managing their condition. While fruits are a healthy and nutritious food, not all fruits are suitable for those with diabetes due to their impact on blood sugar levels. This article will provide five ways to choose the best fruits for people with diabetes, including a list of the best fruits to eat and an explanation of the worst fruits to avoid.

Best Fruits for People with Diabetes

When choosing fruits for a diabetes diet, certain fruits for diabetics are better than others. Here are some of the best fruits to eat if you have diabetes:

1. Berries – Berries are low in sugar and high in fiber, making them the excellent choice for people with diabetes. They are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
2. Oranges – Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system. They are low in calories and high in fiber.
3. Cherries – Cherries are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
4. Watermelon – Watermelon is a low-sugar fruit high in antioxidants and vitamins. It can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
5. Apples – Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They are also low in calories and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Other good fruits for people with diabetes include citrus fruits, like grapefruit and lemons, and avocados, which are high in healthy fats.

Fruits to Avoid

While most fruits can be part of a healthy diabetes diet, some fruits are best avoided due to their impact on blood sugar levels. Here are some of the worst fruits for people with diabetes:

1. Dried fruit – Dried fruit is high in sugar and can quickly raise blood sugar levels. They are also easy to overeat, which can lead to consuming too many carbohydrates.
2. Fruit juice – Fruit juice is often high in added sugar and lacks the fiber found in whole fruit. It can also raise blood sugar levels quickly and lead to weight gain.
3. Canned fruit – Canned fruit is often packed in syrup, which can increase its sugar content. It is also processed and lacks the same amount of fiber found in fresh fruit.
4. Pineapple – Pineapple is high in natural sugar and can quickly raise blood sugar levels. It is also low in fiber, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar.
5. Mango – Mango is high in natural sugar and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. It is also relatively low in fiber.

By avoiding these fruits and choosing whole fruits that are low on the glycemic index and high in fiber, people with diabetes can manage their blood sugar levels and promote a healthy diet.

Choosing the Best Fruits to Eat for People with Diabetes

When it comes to selecting the best fruits for people with diabetes, there are a few important factors to consider:

1. Type of fruit – While some fruits can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, others have a more gentle impact on blood sugar. Examples of low-glycemic fruits include berries, cherries, and citrus fruits.
2. Portion size – Overeating fruit can lead to consuming too many carbohydrates and spikes in blood sugar levels. It is important to keep portion sizes in check and to spread fruit intake throughout the day.
3. Fresh or frozen – Fresh and frozen fruits are generally better choices than processed or canned fruit packed in syrup. Fresh and frozen fruits retain fiber and are less likely to contain added sugars.
4. Pairing with other foods – Pick the best fruits and pair them with other foods that contain healthy fats or protein can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. For example, adding almond butter to an apple can help balance blood sugar levels.
5. Meeting daily nutritional needs – While fruit can be a healthy part of a diabetes diet, it is important to make sure you also consume a variety of non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to meet daily nutritional needs.

Consulting with a registered dietitian or certified diabetes care and education specialist can help individuals with diabetes choose the right variety of fruits and develop a balanced diet that meets their daily nutritional needs.

Incorporating Fruit into a Diabetes Diet

While it is essential for people with diabetes to choose the right fruits and monitor their intake, incorporating fruit into a diabetes diet can have many health benefits. Here are some tips for including fruit in a diabetes meal plan:

1. Keep track of carbohydrate intake – It is vital to keep track of the number of carbohydrates in each serving of fruit and to spread fruit intake throughout the day.
2. Opt for whole fruit – Whole fruit is generally a better choice than fruit juice, which can be high in sugar and low in fiber.
3. Choose fruits that are high in fiber – High-fiber fruits, such as berries and apples, can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
4. Consider frozen or canned fruit – Frozen or canned fruit packed in water can be a convenient option when fresh fruit is unavailable.
5. Pair fruit with other healthy foods – Pairing fruit with other foods that contain healthy fats or protein can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

Using Remote Monitoring to Manage Diabetes and Enjoy Fruit: The DrKumo RPM Solution

In addition to consulting with a registered dietitian, or a certified diabetes care and education specialist for personalized recommendations, remote patient monitoring (RPM) can be a valuable tool for individuals with diabetes who incorporate fruit into their diet. By utilizing remote monitoring devices and software, healthcare providers can track patients’ blood sugar levels and offer guidance and support as needed to help them maintain healthy blood sugar levels while enjoying the many benefits of fruit. With RPM, individuals with diabetes can feel confident that they are making informed choices about their diet and receiving the necessary support to manage their condition effectively.

DrKumo is a RPM platform that can help individuals with diabetes manage their condition and incorporate fruit into their diet. Through DrKumo’s monitoring devices and software, patients can track their blood sugar levels and receive personalized recommendations and support from healthcare providers. DrKumo offers a mobile app that allows patients to track their fruit intake and progress toward their dietary goals. With the help of DrKumo’s remote patient monitoring platform, individuals with diabetes can effectively manage their condition, enjoy the many benefits of fruit, and improve their overall health and well-being.

Read more: 5 Easy Recipes for People with Diabetes

Takeaways

Fruit can be a delicious and nutritious part of a diabetes diet if consumed in moderation, and if the right types of fruit are chosen. By keeping track of carbohydrate intake, opting for whole fruit, choosing high-fiber fruits, considering frozen or canned options, and pairing fruit with other healthy foods, individuals with diabetes can reap the many health benefits that fruit offers while also managing their blood sugar levels. It is essential to consult with a registered dietitian or certified diabetes care and education specialist for personalized recommendations on incorporating fruit into a diabetes meal plan.

Incorporate the right fruits into your diet and consider using remote patient monitoring solutions to track your blood sugar levels and receive support and guidance from healthcare providers. Contact us now!