Sunday, December 5, 2010

Can Eating Fruit Raise My Blood Sugar?

Q: I started eating one piece of watermelon per day and my blood sugar level went up. Would the watermelon do this?

-S.C.

A: Hi S.C.,

Fruit consumption is tricky for patients with diabetes. Most fruits have a high natural sugar content and people minding their blood sugar levels or their weight need to be careful. In general, I recommend no more than 1-2 pieces of fruit daily. That being said, some people, like S.C., may be sensitive — even to small amounts.

If this is the case, try a fruit that is lower on the glycemic index scale such as berries, apples, and oranges. And if your numbers are still high, unfortunately, fruit just isn’t for you.

Yours in good health,
Dr. Whitaker

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