Many diabetes patients often avoid consuming fruits because they are concerned about high blood sugar. However, this idea is actually one-sided. The nutrients rich in fruits, such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, are equally important for diabetes patients, contributing to nutrition supplementation and prevention of various complications.
Studies have shown that diabetes patients who regularly consume fresh fruits have significantly reduced risks of cardiovascular complications and mortality. Compared to those who consume fewer fresh fruits, diabetes patients who eat fresh fruits for 3 days or more per week show significant improvements in various health indicators.
Of course, diabetes patients should consume fruits under certain conditions, namely keeping blood sugar levels within normal range and stable. Specific requirements include fasting blood sugar, postprandial 2-hour blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin must meet standards, and blood sugar has been stable recently.
For eligible diabetes patients, experts recommend consuming fruits as snacks, best times being around 9-10 am, 3-4 pm, and an hour before bedtime. It is also advised to avoid eating fruits immediately before or after meals to prevent a rapid increase in blood sugar.
When choosing fruits, diabetes patients need to pay attention to the Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) of the fruits. These values are important indicators for selecting fruit varieties and controlling portion sizes. Generally, fruits with a GI below 55 and GL below 10 are preferable choices.
Considering these values, there is a wide variety of fruits that diabetes patients can choose from. For example, although watermelon has a high glycemic index, its carbohydrate content is low, resulting in a low GL index, so moderate consumption will not cause a drastic change in blood sugar.
In terms of quantity, it is best for diabetes patients to consume 100-200 grams of fruits per day, preferably in divided portions. It is also essential to maintain a constant calorie intake principle, and after consuming fruits, it is advisable to reduce the intake of staple foods appropriately to ensure that the daily calorie intake remains the same.
In conclusion, with the premise of consuming fresh fruits scientifically and moderately, diabetes patients can not only meet the body’s nutritional needs but also help control the condition and reduce the risk of complications.
