Look no further than your refrigerator’s produce drawer or the fruit bowl on your kitchen table for a diabetic-friendly treat that can help keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
Unbelievably, the idea that fruit is dangerous when you need to check your A1C is a common diabetes myth that has been repeatedly disproven. In fact, many types of fruit are packed with fibre, a potent nutrient that can help manage blood sugar levels and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Fiber, which is present in whole grains and some of the best veggies for diabetes, can also improve your health by encouraging feelings of fullness and reducing cravings and overeating, according to a study. Maintaining a healthy weight can improve your insulin sensitivity and assist in managing your diabetes.
What then is the best way to choose fruits for diabetes? Whole fruits, such as berries, citrus, apricots, and yes, even apples, can be beneficial for your A1C and overall health, combating inflammation, regulating your blood pressure, and more. However, other kinds of fruit, such as juice, might be bad for diabetes.
However, you must be wise about counting carbohydrates and keeping track of what you eat, just like with any other meal in your diabetes diet. Portion size is important.
Avoid syrups and other processed fruits with added sugar and consume fruit in its whole, unprocessed form to prevent a blood sugar increase. Keep to the freezer aisle and the vegetable department in your grocery shop. Most whole fruits are a smart choice because they often rank low on the glycemic index (GI) or glycemic load, measures of how meals affect your blood sugar levels, when it comes to making dietary decisions.
These actions will assist you in managing your diabetes and lowering your risk of developing certain complications, such as neuropathy (nerve damage), kidney disease, vision problems like glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy, as well as potentially fatal conditions like heart disease and stroke.
The next time you have a sweet tooth, think about reaching for one of the naturally sweet and juicy delicacies listed, compliments of Mother Nature. You can blend it into a diabetes-friendly smoothie or keep it straightforward and stuff it in your bag to munch on while you’re on the move.
Stay tuned for the next part!