Can Diabetics Eat Fruit?

Fruits are a healthy food choice for people with diabetes. Fruits contain carbohydrate and affect your blood glucose, so be sure to account for them in your meal plan. But they’re also full of fiber and nutrients that a health body needs. If you have a sweet tooth, great news: A serving of fruit is a wonderful alternative to heavier desserts and sugary treats.

The best fruit choices for people with diabetes are fresh, canned, and frozen fruits without added sugars. When shopping for canned fruits, look for options that are packed in juice or light syrup. Here are just a few examples of the many fruits you can enjoy:

Apples

Apricots

Avocados

Bananas

Blackberries

Blueberries

Cherries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Kiwi

Mangoes

Melon (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)

Oranges

Papaya

Peaches

Pears

Pineapple

Plums

Raspberries

Strawberries

Dried fruits such as cranberries, dates, figs, and raisins are another option for people with diabetes. They make a handy and tasty snack. But dried fruits are usually high in sugar, so the serving sizes are small. Dried fruits are just concentrated versions of fresh fruits — think about the size of a raisin compared to a grape, or a prune compared to a plum. So, watch your portions if you choose to add dried fruits to your diet.