What Fruits Can a Type 2 Diabetic Eat?

What Fruits Can a Type 2 Diabetic Eat?
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People living with type 2 diabetes need to pay attention to their daily carbohydrate intake in order to manage their blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are not only found in grains, starchy vegetables, milk, yogurt, sweets and desserts, but also in fruits. Fruits pack healthy carbohydrates by providing additional vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibers to your diet, however portion control is important to keep your blood glucose levels within target. The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping your carbohydrate intake within 45 to 60 g at each meal.

Apple

Apples constitute a healthy carbohydrate choice for people with type 2 diabetes. However, don't peel your apple before eating it. Wash it thoroughly so you can enjoy the benefits of the fiber the peel contains. Also, pay attention to the size of the apple your choose as it can significantly change its carbohydrate content. For example, a large apple contains 30.8 g of carbohydrates and 5.4 g of fiber while a small one contains 20.6 g of carbohydrates and 3.6 g of fiber, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database.

Pear

Pear is a delicious option for people with type 2 diabetes. However, the size of the apple your choose can make a big difference in your daily carbohydrate intake. A large pear with the skin provides 35.6 g of carbohydrates and 7.1 g of fiber, while a small one provides 22.9 g of carbohydrates and 4.6 g of fiber, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database.

Berries

Packed with protective antioxidants and fiber, berries are a good fruit to include in your diet to keep you healthy and control your diabetes. A cup of blueberries contains 21.5 g of carbohydrates and 3.6 g of dietary fiber; a cup of strawberries 11.1 g of carbohydrates and 2.9 g of fiber; a cup of raspberries 14.7 g of carbohydrates and an astonishing 8.0 g of fiber; and a cup of blackberries 13.8 g of carbohydrates and 7.6 g of fiber, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database.

Grapes

A lot of people with type 2 diabetes believe that grapes are too high in sugar for them to consume. However, with appropriate serving size, grapes can be part of your diet. A serving of a cup of seedless grapes contains 27.3 g of carbohydrates and 1.4 g of fiber, but half a cup, or about 15 grapes, contains 13.7 g of carbohydrates and 0.7 g of fiber, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database.

Kiwifruits

Kiwifruits are a good choice for people with type 2 diabetes, either at snack or meal time. A green kiwifruit provides 10.1 g of carbohydrates and 2.1 g of fiber and a gold kiwifruit contains 12.2 g of carbohydrates and 1.7 g of fiber, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Nov 17, 2010

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