Diabetic Diet & Fruit Juices

According to Gallup, over one in every ten Americans has diabetes. By 2015 this rate could rise as high as 15 percent. The American Diabetes Association recommends diet-focused lifestyle change as the first line of defense and treatment for diabetes. Fruit juices can be a confusing part of a diabetic diet. Not quite fruit, and not quite water, many diabetics don't know where, or if, fruit juices fit into their diabetic diet.

Risk

Fruit juice is one of the most popular drinks in America, according to ABC News. They report that the average American downs an astounding 11 gallons of juice every year. Unfortunately, a heavy intake of fruit juice may predispose someone to developing diabetes, according to a study published in the March 2008 issue of "Diabetes Care." In that study, the researchers found that while a diet rich in natural fruits and veggies lowered diabetes risk, a heavy fruit juice intake sharply increased the risk of getting diabetes.

Sugar

Juice, as it's a concentrated form of fruit, is high in sugar. A typical eight-ounce glass of orange juice has about 28 grams of sugar--about the same amount as in Coca Cola. High sugar intake is correlated with diabetes risk and poor diabetes blood sugar control.

Fiber

The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics include fruit as part of a diabetic diet. However, it warns that whole fruits are a better choice than fruit juice: "Dried fruit and fruit juice are also nutritious choices, but the portion sizes are small, so they may not be as filling as other choices."

Juice isn't as filling as whole fruit because juice is very low in fiber, one of the satiating nutrients found in whole fruit.

Natural

There are two distinct categories of juice that those following a diabetic diet should look out for. The first,100-percent juice, contains no added sugar. This is the best choice for a diabetic diet as it tends to contain more of the vitamins, minerals and fiber that diabetics need.

On the other hand, "juice drinks" tend to have added sugar. Make sure the juice you buy says "100% juice" on the label. Also, take note of the ingredients list, and keep an eye out for any added high fructose corn syrup or other sugary additives.

Moderation

While fruit juice may not be as nutritious as whole fruits for a diabetic diet, diabetics can still drink juice in moderation, according to the American Dietetic Association.