9 sweet fruits suitable for diabetics

MSc. Le Thi Thu Ha, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said people with diabetes can still eat some sweet fruits with reasonable portions. Natural fructose in fruit, although 1.5 to 2 times sweeter than glucose converted from starch, has a low glycemic index.

Instead of going straight into the bloodstream, fructose moves to the liver and is converted into glucose for energy or stored as fat. This indirect metabolism does not stimulate insulin secretion immediately, thereby preventing sudden increases in blood sugar. The fiber, vitamin and antioxidant content in fruit also slows down the absorption of sugar into the blood.

Dr. Thu Ha recommends that diabetics prioritize eating whole fruits instead of juicing them to optimize their fiber intake. Patients should also eat fruits and nuts containing healthy fats, distributing the amount of food evenly into snacks throughout the day, at least 2 hours before main meals.

Below are some sweet fruits that people with diabetes can use.

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries

Anthocyanin compounds in berries help reduce chronic inflammatory responses, improve insulin use efficiency, and help protect cardiovascular health.

Apple

The soluble fiber pectin is highly concentrated in the peel, helping to nourish the intestinal microflora and slow down the digestive process. At the same time, fiber combined with polyphenols in apples helps regulate sugar metabolism.

But

Pears have a relatively low glycemic index, are rich in fiber and are naturally sweet. This is a suitable choice to help reduce the patient’s sweet cravings. Flavonoids in ripe pears also help optimize insulin activity.

Cherry

This fruit contains a group of powerful antioxidants that help soothe inflammatory damage to cells, thereby reducing the risk of associated cardiovascular complications.

Cam

Eating whole orange segments helps the body fully absorb flavonoids and vitamin C. The combination of these two nutrients contributes to maintaining stable energy and enhancing resistance.

Dig

Peaches can help limit sudden increases in blood sugar after meals. Many nutrients in peaches also aid in improving overall metabolic function.

Kiwi

In addition to vitamin C, kiwi also provides a large amount of potassium to help control blood pressure, combined with natural enzymes to help the digestive system operate smoothly.

Doctor Thu Ha noted that in addition to choosing the right fruit, people with diabetes need to pay attention to controlling blood fat and blood pressure. Because sugar metabolism disorders often tend to be accompanied by lipid metabolism disorders, increasing the risk of damage to blood vessel walls, leading to dangerous cardiovascular complications.

Patients can supplement with natural biological active ingredients that have the ability to regulate blood fat and protect blood vessels such as Policosanol (GDL-5) extracted from South American sugarcane pollen. This active ingredient contributes to controlling cholesterol indicators, limiting the formation of plaque in blood vessels, helping to stabilize blood pressure, and preventing vascular complications.

Controlling blood sugar does not just rely on a few individual foods but requires a synchronous combination of a healthy lifestyle. Patients should maintain regular physical activity, control stress and comply with medical treatment regimens.

Patients should have regular check-ups to receive advice and develop a personalized diet appropriate to their health condition, contributing to blood sugar control.