11 Best Fruits For Diabetic Patients You Must Know About

Finding the right fruits for diabetic patients can be a tedious task. However, there is no need to worry as there are multiple options of delicious, diabetes-friendly fruits waiting to be discovered. Everyday items that we eat, from grains to vegetables to fruits, all consist of some level of sugar, so the more you look, the more complicated it gets. But let’s focus on the best fruits for diabetic patients from now on. Is it good for people with diabetes? Maybe! What if we tell you that we have a list of diabetes-friendly fruits that you can eat?

You would be surprised to know that a few fruits can cause blood sugar levels to rise dramatically, but this has been debunked again and again. It is true that fruits are loaded with nutrients and fibre. However, certain fruits can be the best if you have diabetes and help you control it.

Also read: Top Fruits Diabetics Should Avoid: What Fruits to Eat?

List of Top 11: Fruits For Diabetic Patients

Here’s a table summarising the list of the top 11 fruits for diabetic patients, along with their nutritional value and GI levels.

S.No.	Fruit	GI Level (Approx.)
1.	Green Apple	39 (medium)
2.	Orange	33 to 51
3.	Kiwi	49-52
4.	Papaya	60
5.	Peach	42
6.	Strawberry	41
7.	Jamun (Black Plum)	25
8.	Pear	43
9.	Plum	40
10.	Guava	12-24
11.	Watermelon	72

Green Apple

Apple is one of the most popular fruits in the world, maybe due to the phrase, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” However, there is a reason behind this phrase. An apple is highly nutritious and contains Vitamin C, soluble fibre, and various other nutrients. Moreover, the fruit has antioxidant properties and is the best fruit for diabetes patients. Although apples contain carbs that can cause a rise in blood sugar levels, the fibre content in the fruit stabilises glucose levels. However, if you want to control sugar levels in the body, you should use a glucometer.

Also read: Diabetic Diet Chart: A Complete Guide To Control Diabetes

Orange

Oranges are known to be a part of the citrus fruit family and are known to be one of the superfoods for diabetics. This superfood has a low GI (33 to 51), and diabetics can eat an orange per day. They also contain a very high amount of soluble dietary fibre, which facilitates controlling blood glucose levels by reducing the sugar absorption rate. The fruit is loaded with Vitamin C, fibre, folate and potassium. Moreover, oranges are rich in fibre content and, therefore, take time to break down into sugar post-consumption. The best way to consume oranges is by eating the fruit raw and not in liquid form.

Kiwi

Kiwi is a high-fibre fruit that helps control sugar levels since it is low in the glycemic index. The GI of a kiwi is 49-52, and this means the fruit does not rapidly convert into glucose and takes time to enter the bloodstream. Moreover, studies have shown that eating fruit for breakfast significantly lowers sugar uptake in the blood. The primary reason for this is that kiwis contain a high-fibre content that has a water-holding capacity, making them an excellent fruit option for diabetic patients. When consumed, the fruit absorbs water and thickens into a gel, which then slows down the process of sugar conversion

Papaya

Papaya grows in tropical climates. The health advantages of consuming papaya include aiding in digestion, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, improving blood glucose control in diabetics, lowering blood pressure, and improving the healing of wounds.

Also read: Basmati Rice Benefits For Weight Loss: Does It Help?

Peach

Peaches are another excellent fruit to add to your diabetes diet. This fruit is well known for its nutritional value and is one of the best fruits for diabetic patients. Although they are a source of carbohydrates, the nutrients present in the fruit compensate for diabetics’ carb count. Moreover, peaches are high in potassium, fibre, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. The bioactive compounds present in peaches have also been shown to fight obesity-related problems and cardiovascular problems in diabetics.

Strawberry

Strawberries are one of the most accepted, refreshing, and healthy treats that contain many vitamins and antioxidants. The health advantages of strawberries include reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, blood pressure, allergies, constipation, diabetes, and depression. People with diabetes face the danger of eye-related problems, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants which avert eye damage and improve eyesight. This is one of the healthiest fruits for diabetic patients.

Jamun or Black plum

Also known as Indian blackberry or black plum, Jamun has been said to be one of the best fruits for diabetics. The fruit is 82% water and 14.5% carbohydrates and is low in sucrose. The presence of jambosine and jamboline in the fruit slows down the process of converting starch into sugar. This helps in avoiding sudden spikes in blood sugar levels in the body and makes it the best fruits for diabetic patients. Moreover, the consumption of Jamun has shown improvement in the secretion of insulin and is considered a good fruit option for diabetic patients

Pear

Pears can be a great healthy snack to add to your diabetes diet. They contain calcium, minerals, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Moreover, they are rich in vitamins C, E, K, folate, lutein, beta-carotene, retinol, and choline. The skin of the fruit is considered to have a high fibre content, which helps reduce the risk of cholesterol and obesity problems. They can be a great healthy alternative for your sweet cravings and will be the best fruits for diabetic patients.

Also read: Discover the Amazing Fenugreek Seeds Benefits

Plum

Plums belong to the stone fruit family and is one of the magical fruits for diabetic patients. They are known for their unique flavour, delicious taste, and vibrant colour. Many people also include them in their meals, including salads, Baking, Sauces and jams, and grilled and roasted dishes. However, most people ask whether eating plums is healthy for diabetics. Well, yes, it’s completely safe to consume plums to manage your blood sugar levels. In addition, the fibre content present in the plum can improve digestive health and bowel regularity.

Guava

Guavas are low on the glycaemic index (20) and have a high fibre content. This is one of the best fruits for diabetic patients. However, eating guavas keeps blood glucose levels at bay and also provides energy. They are one of the richest sources of Vitamin C, which is advantageous for diabetic patients.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a delicious, nutrient-rich, and fibre-packed fruit. It is one of the juiciest fruits available in the summer to keep you hydrated. In addition, it is one of the best fruits for diabetic patients. It is also packed with lots of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, and more. Moreover, the GI of watermelon is around 72, which is quite high compared to the other fruits on the list. However, having it in moderation is always a great option for diabetic patients.

Also read: 10 Sugarcane Juice Benefits You Might Not Know About

Concluding Words

As we have discussed above finding the right fruits for diabetic patients is a challenging task. Hence, always choose the fruit after checking its glycemic index and nutrition profile. Papaya, apple, and kiwi are something that you’ll get in every season, so try to have these fruits in your everyday diet. The rest of the fruits, such as peaches, berries, and plums, are something that you’ll get on a seasonal basis. So, try out some of them and let us know in the comment section which fruit you liked the most.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information .

Dr. Navneet Agarwal is an established and highly skilled Diabetology with over 25 years of experience in Diabetology & Obesity. He is well-regarded for his quality and patient-centered diabetes care. Also, keep track of your blood sugar levels with a Doctors’ approved smart glucometer and elevate your healthcare routine.