How can Mediterranean fruits be included in a diabetic diet?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 47-year-old male, and I have been dealing with diabetes for the past two years. I am currently on Metformin medication. I do not have any specific symptoms now and I am living a normal life. However, I wanted to know whether I can incorporate Mediterranean fruits into my diet. Do they reduce or maintain blood sugar levels? I do not eat bananas and mangoes much as they are high in sugar. What kind of Mediterranean fruits are good for diabetes? Do they cause any other side effects that I should be aware of? Can those fruits be included regularly?

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I can understand your concern.

Berries are one of the best fruits to consume on a Mediterranean diet. This includes strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, with raspberries containing the most fiber. In addition, they are also a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin K1. Although all fresh fruits make a healthy choice, certain fruits, like berries, avocados, citrus fruits, apples, and pomegranates, may offer specific health benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, such as improving post-meal blood sugar levels and lowering blood pressure.

The Mediterranean diet includes plant-based foods like vegetables and fruits. They offer a hefty dose of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and more, which makes them nutrient-dense choices since they have a high amount of nutrients for a relatively low amount of calories. Research has shown that eating more fruits and vegetables can prevent chronic disease and promote longevity. Even so, only about 10 percent of Americans eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, which is another reason to consider eating the Mediterranean way.

Aim for at least five servings a day of produce daily, or about two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables. A serving of vegetables is half a cup of cooked vegetables or one cup of raw ones. A serving of fruit is about one medium-sized piece of whole fruit or half a cup of fresh, frozen, or canned. Some of the best nutrient-dense fruits include berries, apples, peaches, and pears.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at icliniq.

Thank you.