Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that involves high blood sugar. The glycemic index used in rating foods indicates how certain foods affect your blood sugar. A higher glycemic index causes more blood sugar. Foods with a high glycemic index have a score between 70 and 100; foods with a medium index are scored 50 to 70; and foods with a low glycemic index are scored below 50, according to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Center for Integrative Medicine.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a popular fruit eaten during the summer season. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, watermelon is loaded with antioxidants such as vitamins C and A and lycopene, a substance that may prevent prostate and other types of cancer. Watermelon is also rich in B vitamins and arginine, an amino acid that may help men with erectile dysfunction. Despite some of these nutritional benefits that would otherwise be healthy for people with diabetes, watermelon has a high glycemic index of 72, according to the Center for Integrative Medicine. If you are diabetic, you should avoid watermelon, because it may rapidly increase your blood sugar levels. If you decide to eat watermelon, you should eat a small amount, monitor your blood sugar levels and have insulin available to lower your blood sugar, if needed.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is an excellent source of several nutrients including manganese, vitamin C and bromelain, according to the George Mateljan Foundation. Manganese is a trace mineral that is involved with energy production and antioxidant activity. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that stimulates your immune system and protects your body from free radicals that can cause cancer and plaque buildup in the arteries. Bromelain is a complex mixture of substances that include protein-digesting enzymes that can reduce inflammation, blood coagulation and tumor growth. Yet for diabetics, eating pineapple can negatively impact blood sugar and should therefore be avoided. Pineapple has a glycemic index score of 66. If you are diabetic and choose to eat pineapple, you should consume a small portion along with other foods that have a low glycemic index.
Bananas
A raw banana has a glycemic index of 62, according to the The University of Sydney. Bananas are high-energy fruits that contain vitamin B-6, vitamin C, potassium, manganese and fiber. Diabetics should avoid bananas, including muffins, desserts and other dishes that contain this fruit, because your blood sugar levels may quickly rise.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes Overview
- Harvard Health Publications: Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load for 100+ Foods
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics: Glycemic Index
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Watermelon
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Pineapple
- The University of Sydney: Home of the Glycemic Index
