Diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar, is among the most prevalent health conditions. In 2021, around 537 million adults aged between 20 and 79 were affected globally. If untreated, the disease can lead to complications like heart problems, impacting the patient’s overall quality of life. The good news is that one can manage high blood sugar effectively with healthy eating and physical activity. Below are a few fruit intake tips for those with diabetes:

Choose fresh fruits
Many people with diabetes think that fruits are harmful to them. That is not entirely true because fruits have vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which everyone needs. However, diabetics must choose fresh fruits over frozen ones. Fresh fruits undergo fewer processes and do not have harmful preservatives. If buying canned fruits, one should check the label for “unsweetened” and “no extra added sugar.” 100% fruit juice (unsweetened) is also nutritious, but fruit juice may lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar.

Analyze the carb content
Fruits form a natural source of carbohydrates. While carbs are necessary for the body, an excess can increase blood sugar levels. So, diabetics must choose low-carb fruits. The number of carbs differs depending on the fruit. For instance, a cup of mixed berries contains around 16 grams of carbs, while a cup of diced watermelon has approximately 12 grams.

Check the fruit’s glycemic index
A food’s glycemic index (GI) determines how quickly it can cause blood sugar to rise. Low-GI foods take more time to digest and do not cause a blood sugar spike, making them suitable. Thankfully, most fruits have a low-GI index due to their fructose and fiber content. Melons, pineapple, and dried fruits like dates, raisins, and sweetened cranberries have medium GI values.

Use the diabetes plate method
The diabetes plate method is helpful when choosing foods to create a diabetes-friendly meal. According to this method, diabetics should fill half their plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with carbohydrate foods (including fruits), and the last quarter with protein foods. The meal can be accompanied by water or a zero-calorie drink. Most fruits are counted as carbohydrate foods, and one can choose accordingly.

List of fruits suitable for diabetes
The following are some fruits people with this health condition can consider:

• Blackberries
  Blackberries make for a tasty snack and can reduce the speed of glucose absorption in the blood, making them suitable for diabetes. The fruit is also rich in vitamins C, E, K, calcium, and manganese.
• Strawberries
  Th is is a low-carbohydrate fruit with high amounts of vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium. Studies have shown that having strawberries within two hours of a meal can reduce blood sugar.
• Tomatoes
  Tomatoes are healthy not only for diabetes but for several health conditions. They are low in calories and rich in vitamins C, K1, folate, and potassium.
• Oranges
  T hanks to its low-calorie content, one can enjoy a medium-sized orange without guilt. Besides being an excellent source of vitamin C, the fruit has potassium, calcium, and folate.
• Kiwis
  Kiwis have a low GI score, so they digest slowly and prevent a blood sugar spike. Like oranges, they also have vitamin C, which helps lower oxidative damage. Further, kiwis have minerals like copper and potassium.
• Papaya
  Papaya contains natural compounds that can help regulate blood glucose. It is a medium-GI fruit and an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals that promote good health.

In severe cases, nutrition alone may not suffice in managing high blood sugar. Individuals may also need treatment options, such as those mentioned below:

• INVOKANA®
  It is an FDA-approved oral treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes. INVOKANA® works by preventing the reabsorption of glucose into the bloodstream from the urine during the filtration process. It can be used once daily before breakfast or as the physician suggests. The treatment works best when supported by exercise and healthy eating. INVOKANA® is available in two dosage options: 100 mg and 300 mg. Besides lowering blood sugar, it can help slow down the progression of kidney damage caused due to diabetes. The possible side effects include urinary tract infection and dehydration.
• GlucoTrust
  GlucoTrust is suitable for those looking for a treatment option with all-natural ingredients. It is a health supplement with elements like manganese, cinnamon, and juniper berries. Besides helping control blood sugar, GlucoTrust promotes long, deep, and restful sleep, which is necessary when dealing with this health condition. Further, it supports healthy blood circulation and reduces sugar cravings.
• KERENDIA
  If untreated, diabetes can lead to several complications, including kidney damage. KERENDIA is used for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people with type 2 diabetes. The once-daily oral treatment works by preventing the overactivation of a particular protein that can cause inflammation and scarring in the kidneys.
• Insulin therapy
  Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps utilize the glucose in the blood to produce energy. Since insulin production is hindered in diabetes, patients need external insulin. There are different types of insulin, such as rapid-acting and short-acting, and one can contact a doctor to identify a suitable type depending on their condition.
• Dexcom G6
  Thanks to modern technology, people can self-monitor their glucose levels in real-time. Dexcom G6 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) tool that makes this possible. It consists of a tiny sensor to be inserted under the skin, which continuously monitors blood glucose levels and sends the readings to a connected smart device.