Can people with high blood sugar eat tomatoes?

Feb 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My friend's father is hospitalized due to high blood sugar, but he has recently been craving tomatoes. I wonder whether eating tomatoes will have any negative effects on his health. Can he eat them?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

In general, individuals with high blood sugar can consume tomatoes in moderation.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, minerals, and dietary fiber, offering significant nutritional value. Moreover, tomatoes contain a large amount of water, which can help individuals with high blood sugar maintain proper hydration. This can also aid in weight management, as foods with high water content tend to create a feeling of fullness, thereby preventing excessive intake of other high-calorie foods. Therefore, eating tomatoes is generally safe for people with high blood sugar.

However, since tomatoes contain a certain amount of natural sugars, consuming excessive quantities at one time may cause blood sugar levels to rise. Thus, individuals with high blood sugar should control their intake of tomatoes and avoid overconsumption. While eating tomatoes, attention should also be paid to the combination and portion sizes of other foods. It is recommended to follow a dietary principle that is low in sugar, low in fat, and high in fiber, incorporating more fresh vegetables, whole grains, and other fiber-rich foods to help manage blood sugar levels.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a reasonable balance in food combinations, avoid excessive food intake at one time, and ensure a balanced diet.