How does the sugar content of food influence the blood sugar level? Which fruits should I avoid as a diabetic?

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Different foods containing the same amount of carbohydrate do not have the same effect on blood sugar levels. A way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating is called the Glycaemic Index (GI). They are ranked on a scale from 0 to 100, 100 being the response to a reference food like glucose or white bread. At the same carbohydrate level, foods with a high GI result in rapid increases in blood sugar levels, whilst low-GI foods produce lower rises in blood sugar level.

One of the most important implications of the GI factor is in the area of diabetes. A higher intake of low GI foods results in slower digestion of starches and sugars and slower absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This in turn may help to regulate blood sugar levels, although long-term studies on the overall health benefits are not yet available.

Fruits provide essential vitamins and minerals, fibre, and other substances that are important for good health. Most fruits are also naturally low in fat and calories and are filling. As a diabetic it’s important for you to eat in moderation. But there are no fruits you have to avoid so long as you keep an eye on the amount you eat. There are only a few fruits which have a lower GI than others. Here are some examples: