The U.S. National Library of Medicine says diabetes occurs because of elevated blood glucose levels. The pancreas no longer uses or produces enough insulin for the body to function properly. Without enough insulin, high levels of glucose remain in the bloodstream. Diet plays a major role in controlling blood glucose levels, so people should maintain a nutritionally dense diet. Many diabetics think that they can’t eat fruits when diagnosed with diabetics; however, many fruits are good for diabetes because they have low sugar content.
Apples
Natural News cites a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that took place from 1999 to 2004. The research found that apples are good fruits for diabetes because they prevent conditions that cause metabolic syndrome, including diabetes. Many participants in the study saw a decrease in symptoms 24 hours after eating apples. Apples reduced inflammation related to diabetes and heart disease. According to Nutrition Data, apples are 38 on the glycemic index–the index used to determine how foods affect blood sugar levels.
Grapefruit
Grapefruits, 25 on the glycemic index, are good fruits for diabetes because they naturally lower blood sugar levels. The Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation states that none of the ingredients in grapefruit seem to hinder insulin production. Fresh grapefruit works better than juice because of its slow conversion rate in the body.
Oranges
Oranges are low-glycemic-index fruits, at 48, and are also good for diabetics. The World’s Healthiest Foods, produced by the George Mateljan Foundation, states that fiber and Vitamin C found in oranges controls blood sugar levels. Oranges, a low-fat snack, can be part of a healthy diet that controls or reduces weight, one of the risk factors for diabetes.
Bitter Melon
The fruit juice found in bitter melon has been used as a diabetic remedy in Asia, Africa and South America. Diabetes Health says bitter melons are good fruits for diabetes because the natural ingredients lower blood sugar levels in diabetes sufferers. Diabetes Health also concludes that bitter melon helps the tissues in the body absorb glucose. However, Holistic Online says large consumptions of bitter melon juice cause stomach pain and diarrhea, and children with hypoglycemia may experience extremely low blood sugar levels.
Bananas
The American Diabetes Association says bananas have the bad reputation of being high in sugar or fattening. However, these fruits are good for diabetes because they are actually low in sugar, which won’t raise blood glucose levels. As a low-fat treat, they help diabetics maintain or lose weight. Bananas also contain potassium, which reduces sodium in the body.