What Fruits Can Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Eat?

Mar 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, patients with type 2 diabetes can eat fruits such as apples, grapefruits, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwifruits. Apples are rich in pectin, a type of dietary fiber that helps regulate blood sugar levels by delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption, thus preventing rapid increases in blood glucose. Apples have a low glycemic index, and moderate consumption has minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

Generally, patients with type 2 diabetes can consume fruits such as apples, pomelos, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwifruits. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Apples

Apples are rich in pectin, a type of dietary fiber that helps regulate blood glucose levels by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption, thus preventing rapid increases in blood sugar. Apples are considered low glycemic index fruits, and moderate consumption has minimal impact on blood glucose levels.

2. Pomelos

Pomelos contain insulin-like components that may help lower blood sugar levels. They have relatively low sugar content and are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and are beneficial to the overall health of patients with type 2 diabetes.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and dietary fiber. Their sugar content is relatively low, and the dietary fiber in strawberries promotes intestinal motility, aids digestion, and helps control blood glucose levels.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries have low sugar content and are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help protect the eyes and improve retinal function. These compounds may help prevent common eye complications associated with type 2 diabetes.

5. Kiwifruits

Kiwifruits have moderate sugar content and a relatively slow glycemic response. The dietary fiber in kiwifruits helps reduce cholesterol levels and delays gastric emptying, thereby helping to maintain stable blood glucose levels.

In addition to choosing appropriate fruits, patients with type 2 diabetes should also maintain regular meal times and portion sizes, follow a consistent dietary pattern, and avoid large fluctuations in blood glucose levels in their daily lives.

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