Answer:
Enjoy any type of fruit you like but try to follow these three rules: Limit yourself to one serving during a meal or snack. A serving is the amount that would have 15 grams of carbohydrate, about as big as a tennis ball. Most people with diabetes are encouraged to eat two servings per day. Compare that to how much you tend to eat. Is it more? Less? About right?
A few more points about fruit:
Fruit is considered nature’s dessert and is full of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber in addition to the sugar and water. The amount of fruit that’s right for you depends on your preferences and your individual needs. Your registered dietitian can make a recommendation. Some fruits have a high glycemic index, which is a measure of how fast and high the blood sugar rises relative to other carbohydrates. Higher glycemic index fruits can be enjoyed in smaller portions, during exercise and to treat a low blood glucose episode. You may want to limit how often you eat these types of fruit or add them to a lower carb meal like a main course salad. All types of fruit can fit in your diet unless you are allergic or intolerant of them. Learn more about the glycemic index. (Link:https://www.gisymbol.com/low-gi-explained/)Download a phone app to help you look up the glucose index of your favorite fruits and always pay attention to portion size.Author: Valerie Spier, MPH, RD, CDCES
Sutter Health Clinical Leadership Team | Palo Alto Medical Foundation