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Fruits: the secret ingredient in your diabetes diet

People diagnosed with diabetes are also living with obesity or overweight

Diet for diabetes: navigating sweet choices

Fruits, with their natural sweetness and vibrant flavours, are a delightful addition to any diet, even for those managing diabetes. The key lies in making informed choices that align with your health goals, ensuring that these treats contribute to your well-being rather than posing challenges. Let’s understand how fruits feature in a diabetes diet.

Munch on those fresh fruits for the best diabetes diet!

The art of selecting the right fruits for a diabetes diet

When it comes to choosing fruits, being mindful of their carbohydrate content and glycemic index can make a world of difference. Opt for fruits that are low in carbohydrates, have a low glycaemic index, or boast abundant fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Fibre is a formidable ally, not only keeping you satiated but also aiding digestion and blood sugar control. Meanwhile, vitamins and minerals play a pivotal role in glucose metabolism.

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Add fruity delights to your diabetes diet line-up

Among the roster of fruit options that can harmonise with diabetes management, consider including:

- Berries: Bursting with antioxidants and fibre, berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are a flavourful choice that supports stable blood sugar levels.

- Peaches: These juicy gems bring a medley of vitamins and minerals to the table while offering a satisfying natural sweetness.

- Apples: With their fibre-rich content and crisp bite, apples make for an excellent snack that doesn't lead to rapid blood sugar spikes.

- Oranges: High in vitamin C and fibre, oranges are not only refreshing but also contribute positively to glucose management.

- Kiwis: Packing a punch of vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, kiwis are a vibrant addition to your fruit repertoire.

Balance is key in a diet for diabetes

As with any culinary indulgence, moderation is the compass. Even though fruits offer an array of health benefits, excessive consumption can tip the balance. This holds true for individuals managing diabetes as well as for the general population.

Navigating the dos and don'ts

Here are some guiding principles for incorporating fruits into your diet while managing diabetes:

- Do Choose Whole Fruits: Opt for whole, unprocessed fruits to ensure you're getting the full spectrum of nutrients without added sugars.

- Don't Succumb to Processed Fruits: Avoid processed variants laden with added sugars, fruit syrups, or fruit juices that can spike blood sugar levels.

- Do portion control: Keep carb intake in check by adhering to portion control, aiming for no more than 15 grams of carbs per serving.

 

A holistic approach to diabetes management

While integrating fruits smartly into your diet for diabetes can certainly help manage sugar cravings and support your diabetes management efforts, it's important to remember that weight management is a one of the cornerstones of diabetes care. Excess weight can exacerbate the risk of diabetes complications, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach. Therefore, your approach needs to include solutions for both - diet and exercise.

Embrace newer possibilities

If you're navigating diabetes with the additional challenge of weight management, explore newer possibilities available in diabetes care. These possibilities, in tandem with mindful dietary choices and active lifestyles, can pave the way to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Together let’s lower the weight of diabetes

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References

  1.  Adapted from American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee;. Diabetes Care 1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1): S77–S110.
  2. Adapted from: Gray A, Threlkeld RJ. Nutritional Recommendations for Individuals with Diabetes. [Updated 2019 Oct 13]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279012/
  3. Adapted from American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Diabetes Care 1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1): S145-S157.

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