Is papaya high in sugar? Can diabetics eat it?
Recently, Grandpa wants to eat papaya, but he has diabetes. I would like to ask, is the sugar content in papaya high? Can diabetics eat it?
Doctor's answer (1)
The sugar content of papaya is not high, with approximately 7 grams of sugar per 100 grams, making it a low-sugar fruit. For individuals with diabetes, papaya can be consumed in moderation.
Papaya has a low glycemic index of 25%, significantly lower than that of glucose at 100%, meaning it causes relatively smaller fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Moreover, papaya is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber, nutrients that are beneficial for people with diabetes and can help promote gastrointestinal motility and prevent constipation. However, diabetes patients should follow the dietary principles of low sugar, low fat, and high fiber, maintain a balanced diet structure, control total calorie intake, and avoid significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels. If diabetes patients wish to eat papaya, it is recommended to choose fruits with moderate ripeness, as overripe papayas have higher sugar content. Additionally, it is advised that each serving should not exceed 100 grams and should be consumed between meals, avoiding consumption together with large amounts of carbohydrates to prevent significant blood sugar fluctuations. Patients should also monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and adjust their diet and medication accordingly based on their blood sugar conditions.
