Can people with diabetes eat watermelon?
Disease description:
Recently, a relative gave us a lot of watermelons, but my grandfather has diabetes. I would like to ask the doctor, can people with diabetes eat watermelon?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Diabetic patients can consume melon in moderation.
Melon, commonly known as fragrant melon, is a fruit with relatively low sugar content, abundant water, low calories, and rich in vitamins and minerals, which is beneficial to health. Melon belongs to the same category as watermelon and contains abundant beta-carotene, carbohydrates, vitamins, and other nutrients, with relatively low sugar content. If a diabetic patient's condition is stable, they may consume melon in moderation to supplement necessary nutrients and energy, and due to its high water content, it can also help with hydration.
However, even for fruits with low sugar content, diabetic patients should still consume them in moderation. It is recommended to eat melon between meals as a snack and include its intake within the total daily carbohydrate consumption, to avoid excessive sugar intake at once, which may elevate blood glucose levels. Moreover, if diabetic patients are in an acute phase of the disease and their blood sugar levels are not effectively controlled, it is advisable to avoid eating melon, as its sugar content might exacerbate the condition. In addition, the diet of diabetic patients should follow the principle of low sugar, low fat, and high fiber, with a well-balanced healthy meal plan and timely medication.
