Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
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Diabetes is a serious condition that affects about five million people in the UK. Most cases are caused by type 2 diabetes, but all patients could benefit from making some diet swaps. In particular, some fruits could trigger dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Insulin is needed to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy.
Without enough insulin, patients are at risk of developing some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.
That’s why it’s absolutely essential to consider making some changes to your daily diet if you have diabetes.
While fruit is generally a good option for patients, some types aren’t as beneficial.
Watermelon, for example, has a high glycaemic index (GI), and should be avoided.
Glycaemic index is a measure of how fast a food can raise your blood sugar levels.
High GI foods are still safe to eat if you have diabetes, but alternatives are advised.
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“In general, a person should not have to exclude fruit from their diet,” said medical website Medical News Today.
“In fact, one 2017 study suggests that eating fruit can actually help prevent diabetes.
“However, it may be worth people who already have diabetes limiting their intake of the following fruits.
“If a food has a GI score of between 70 and 100, it is high in sugar. Some fruits with a score in this range include watermelons, dried dates, pineapples, and overly ripe bananas.”
However, there are some fruits that are particularly beneficial for diabetes patients.
Apples, apricots, berries, and mangos are all ideal snacks for anyone with diabetes.
Fresh fruit doesn’t contain free sugars, which are what causes high blood sugar.
Some fruits are also high in fibre, which slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
Everyone should aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
Meanwhile, it’s not always easy to know if you’re at risk of diabetes, because the symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.
The most common diabetes symptoms include fatigue, having cuts or wounds that take longer to heal, and feeling persistently thirsty.
Speak to a doctor straight away if you’re worried about the signs of diabetes.
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