Some people are under the impression that diabetic patients should not eat fruits. Diabetics can and should eat many fiber-rich fruits like watermelon, muskmemon, papaya, and strawerries etc. Due to their low glycaemic index, they promote a gradual increase in sugar levels that is greatly beneficial to diabetic patients. Fresh lime is also beneficial as it provides a lot of minerals and vitamins required by a diabetic.
Fruit juices are not recommended in general to diabetics as sugar or sugar syrup is added to it. Moreover, a lot of fruit is required to make a glass of juice. The fruit pulp that contains fiber is generally removed during preparation.
Only certain fruits like mango, custard apple, chikoo, banana, and grapes should be avoided as they spike sugar levels for a long time. Dates and all dry fruits also should be avoided for the same reason.
Studies show that 75 grams of fruit like blueberries, pineapple, pears, etc give 10 grams of carbohydrates. 100 grams of guavas, lemons, peaches, strawberries, blackberries, papaya etc provide 10 grams of carbohydrates. 150 grams of coconut meat, raspberries, gooseberries etc provide 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Sugar is mostly present in fruits in the form of fructose. This has an additional benefit for diabetics as it does not need insulin for its metabolism and is well tolerated.
Diabetics can therefore eat fruit like any normal healthy person. Fruits provide vitamins, minerals and fibers necessary for a healthy diet.
Manganese present in citrus fruits is an important constintuent of insulin.
