Home : health : dexcom : 3 Fruit Intake Tips For People With Diabetes
3 fruit intake tips for people with diabetes

3 fruit intake tips for people with diabetes

Fruits are an important source of nutrients that humans need. Having these natural desserts is a delicious way of satisfying sudden bouts of hunger, which is a common symptom that people with diabetes experience. However, fruits may contain carbs and sugar. So, can diabetes patients have them to satisfy their sweet cravings and nutritional needs? While they can add certain fruits to their nutritional regimen, here are some tips that people with diabetes should follow:

Choose the right fruits
Adding fruits to one’s meals when affected by diabetes requires caution, as one has to avoid foods that can negatively affect their blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, one must try to opt for fresh fruits. Alternatively, people can choose frozen fruits or those packed in their juice. However, processed fruits in cans and jars should be avoided as they can come with added sugars, which can raise the glucose levels in diabetes patients. One should check the food labels to avoid buying food products with added sugar. Sugar can be added to a product in different forms, including cane sugar, corn sweetener, invert sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and dextran. Here are some of the safest and healthiest fruit choices for people with the condition:

  • Apple
  • Avocado
  • Apricot
  • Blackberry
  • Blueberry
  • Cherry
  • Grapefruit
  • Grape
  • Orange
  • Peach
  • Pear
  • Plum
  • Strawberry
  • Kiwi

Research suggests that adding whole fruits like apples, blueberries, and grapes to one’s regimen is associated with lower risks of developing type 2 diabetes.

Check the portion size
Most studies recommend at least five servings of vegetables and fruits per day for adults and children. However, people with diabetes should check the carb content of the concerned fruit to determine its serving size. Each serving of fruit contains about 15 grams of carbs. However, this number can vary depending on the type of fruit. Here are fruit servings that contain 15 grams of carbs:

  • A small piece of fresh fruit (about 4 ounces)
  • Half cup of canned or frozen fruit without added sugar
  • 2 teaspoons worth of dried fruit, i.e., dried cherries or raisins

Here are the serving sizes (each contains 15g of carbs) for specific fruits:

  • Half a medium-sized apple
  • 1 small banana
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1 cup cubed cantaloupe or honeydew melon
  • 17 small grapes
  • ¾ cup of blueberries
  • ¼ cup of whole strawberries
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • ⅓ to ½ cup of fruit juice

Fresh fruits are always preferable over fruit juices for diabetic patients. According to a study conducted in 2013, fruit juices have greater chances of increasing one’s glycemic level than whole fruits. Furthermore, fresh fruits are rich in fibers that help delay the digestion process. This makes one feel full for a longer period and does not raise the blood sugar level as quickly compared with fruit juices.

Avoid fruits with excessive sugar and carbs
Certain fruits can lead to an extreme spike the blood sugar levels. Two kinds of fruits must be avoided by diabetes patients:

Fruits with excessive sugar: Even though fruits with a high Glycemic Index do not cause much harm, their intake should be limited to keep the blood glucose levels in check. These are:

Dried dates
Very ripe bananas
Watermelons
Pineapples
Mangoes
Grapes
Fruit juice

Fruits with high carb content: Most diabetes patients tend to have a low-carb regimen to ensure that their blood sugar levels are not affected by a high intake of carbohydrates. However,  even though certain fruits may have high carb content, this number may not be as high as that of nutrient-deficient foods. For instance, a large banana may contain 30 grams of carbs, however, it is far better than a chocolate muffin, which is not only nutrition-deficient but also has a carbohydrate content of 55 grams. So, one should try avoiding other high-carb foods before limiting their fruit intake.

Treatment options for diabetes
Apart from following a healthy meal plan, diabetes should be managed using treatment options. Depending on the patient’s physiological needs, the doctor may prescribe the following options for people affected by diabetes:

Insulin therapy: This aims to provide a synthetic version of the protein hormones (i.e., insulin) produced by the pancreas. Insulin therapy is conducted by injecting the hormones under the skin but, in some cases, it may be injected into the muscles or veins.
Invokana: Known by the generic name canagliflozin, Invokana is an oral treatment option specifically prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. It works by preventing sodium-glucose co-transporter found in kidney tubules from re-absorbing glucose from urine.
Glucotrust: This is a food supplement that monitors blood glucose in diabetes patients by reducing their craving for sweet-tasting foods. Glucotrust also helps in administering a good night’s sleep.
Kerendia: It is an FDA-approved treatment option for adult patients with type 2 diabetes-induced chronic kidney disease. Kerendia can help slow down the decline of kidney function.
Dexcom: This is a diabetes management tool that senses and transmits data regarding the patient’s blood glucose levels every five minutes. Dexcom can transmit data to a corresponding smartphone app to help patients monitor their levels.

Diabetes is best managed with treatment and a balanced meal plan that includes fruits. Following a low-carb diet can help with disease management, but people should not deprive themselves of essential nutrients. It is crucial to come up with a proper meal plan with the right amount of fruits, i.e., limited to 15 grams of carbs per serving.

Top Reads

Top Tags

Popular Reads

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas
health

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.
Read More

5 mistakes to avoid while using vacuum cleaners

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most reliable home cleaning appliances. With the help of the machine, cordless or corded, one can get rid of dirt, cobwebs, and allergens found around the house. The device is used for cleaning purposes, therefore, it is vital to handle the vacuum cleaner correctly for optimal usage. That said, not everyone knows how to use a vacuum cleaner efficiently. Below are the common mistakes made while using them: Failing to empty or clean dust bags and filters It is important to empty and clean vacuum dust bags regularly. Failing to do so can affect the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Despite vacuuming, if you still notice dust stains on the carpet or the floor, it’s an indicator to empty the dust bag. Another tell-tale sign for the removal of dust bag is when your vacuum cleaner seems to be losing its suction power. The frequency of emptying the vacuum bags will depend on how often you use the device. A full vacuum dust bag will lead to an accumulation of dust and the breeding of bacteria and germs in the bag. Many latest models are equipped with disposable bags that are much more convenient.
Home

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms

Eczema has many different stages and types. Unfortunately, about 10.1 percent of people in the country have some or the other form of this condition. Such a disease is a combination of conditions that make the skin irritated or inflamed. With proper treatment, one can manage symptoms. Red, dry, cracked, and leathery skin are the common eczema signs. Here are three useful methods that help deal with eczema and manage its symptoms: Getting the right treatment options Here are some treatments associated with eczema. Dupixent Dupixent is prescribed for children six or older and adults; for those who cannot control symptoms with other treatment measures, alternate treatments are not recommended. This monoclonal antibody works on a targeted area in the immune system. Dupixent comes in pre-filled single-dose pens and syringes, given as a subcutaneous injection. One can find this treatment option in two strengths: 300-mg/2-mL and 200 mg/1.14-mL solutions. Cibinqo This once-daily oral treatment helps manage symptoms for adults who have not seen relief with prevailing treatment options. Cibinqo is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Doses that can be taken are either 100 or 200 mg. Alternately, a 50 mg dosage is for patients with moderate renal impairment.
health

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature.
health

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition.  Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems.
health