Loaded with nutrients and fiber, fruits make the perfect snack. This article takes a science-based look at the most suitable fruits for those with diabetes.
1. Blueberries – Blueberries are quite low in sugar, with 10 grams per 100 grams of fruit. But that sugar is also accompanied by 2 grams of fiber. This is important because when sugar and fiber are eaten together, blood sugar levels don’t spike as quickly. Interestingly, a study on over 187,000 people tracked over two decades found those who ate the most blueberries had more than a 25 percent lower risk of getting diabetes than those who ate the fewest
2. Strawberries – Strawberries contain even less sugar than blueberries, with only 5 grams per 100 grams of fruit.
3. Blackberries – Of all the berries, blackberries stand out most. Per 100 grams of fruit, they contain only 5 grams of sugar and an impressive 5 grams of fiber. High fiber diets help with glucose (sugar) metabolism, and can improve insulin sensitivity too
4. Grapes – 16 grams of sugar per 100g. However, research has found that those who ate the most grapes had 12 percent less chance of developing type 2 diabetes than those who ate the fewest. It may have something to do with the polyphenols in grapes, which have been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar levels
5. Apples – 10 grams of sugar per 100g apples are linked with a reduced risk of diabetes. But they’re also linked with a lower risk of stroke, which is a huge risk factor for those with type 2 diabetes
6. Watermelon – 6 grams of sugar per 100g. Watermelon is also a great source of lycopene. This phytochemical has been shown to improve sensitivity to insulin, lower blood sugar and lower risk of type 2 diabetes
7. Avocado – 0 sugar and a whooping 7 grams of fiber per 100g! Even better, they are high in healthy monounsaturated fats. Research has shown that diets low in poor quality carbohydrates and high in monounsaturated fats can improve insulin sensitivity