People with diabetes cannot move sugar from their blood stream into their muscles and cells efficiently, so their blood sugar levels can become dangerously high. Diabetics need to be careful of the foods that they eat because eating too many carbohydrates can elevate blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness and even passing out. Diabetics do not need to avoid all carbohydrates, however. Certain fruits contain the right balance of nutrients for diabetics.
Apples
Fruits that are the highest in dietary fiber are the best choices for diabetics. According to the Joslin Diabetes Center, fiber is a type of carbohydrate which is indigestible so it does not raise blood sugar levels. In fact, they state that grams of fiber can be subtracted from total grams of carbohydrates when diabetics are planning meals. Fiber has many health benefits, including making a person feel full. The Joslin Diabetes Center recommends that diabetics eat 25 to 35 g of fiber a day. Apples are a fruit rich in fiber, with about 3.7 g and under 100 calories per medium-sized apple, according to Dr. Bill Sears, a professor at the University of California at Irvine. Apples can also help reduce cholesterol.
Berries
Another great fruit choice for diabetics is berries. Dr. Bill Sears states on his website that blueberries specifically are full of cancer-fighting antioxidants, as well as vitamins and minerals. All berries contain fiber, but raspberries lead the group with 8 g of fiber per 100 calories of berries. Another benefit of berries specific to diabetics is that they are low in calories. Since obesity contributes to diabetes, diabetics need to watch their weight and calorie intake.
Avocados
Though many people think that avocados are a vegetable, they are actually a fruit. Dr. Bill Sears states that avocados are on his top ten list of healthiest fruits because they are high in dietary protein, which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. Additionally, avocados are rich in fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins and zinc. Avocados also contain healthy, unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart. Since avocados are high in calories, they should not be eaten every single day, but there is a good choice for diabetics a few times a week.
Oranges
Oranges are great for diabetics as a snack because they are the perfect portion size. Oranges are rich in fiber as well as vitamin C. Dr. Bill Sears states that the high vitamin C content of oranges can boost the immune system and protect the body from illnesses.
