Seven fruits diabetics need to avoid that can raise…

Seven fruits diabetics need to avoid that can raise risks of blood sugar spikes

A healthy, balanced diet for many include all the items on the food pyramid - fruits, vegetables, protein and vitamins.

Most fruits are low in calories, and are packed with all the vitamins and minerals we need to keep on the health-kick track, reports the Daily Record. However, it appears that some of these snacks could be considered "dangerous" for those who are diabetic, as they have a high glycaemic index.

According to the NHS website, more than 4.9 million people across the country are diagnosed with diabetes. It is a lifelong condition, that causes their body to not properly break down glucose - due to their blood sugar levels reaching dangerously high levels.

Diabetes is sorted into two different types, Type 1 and Type 2. These are as follows:

Type 1 occurs occurs when the cells that produce insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels are broken down by the body.
Type 2, is much more common, and occurs when the individual is overweight or not exercising enough.

90 per cent of adults with diabetes in the UK are diagnosed with Type 2, meaning it is caused by personal choices. It is recommended by doctors for diabetes to include plenty of fruit in their diet.

However, experts have warned patients to be wary of fruits that have a higher glycaemic index. Find out more below.

What is the glycaemic index?

The glycaemic index (GI) is a system that shows how quickly foods that contain carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels, when eaten separately.

On the Diabetes.co.uk website, they state: "High GI foods break down very quickly causing blood glucose levels to rise sharply. People with diabetes refer to sharp rises in blood sugar levels as ‘spikes’ in blood sugar.

“Furthermore, for those who produce their own insulin, high GI foods can force the body to try to produce a surge of insulin to counteract the fast-acting carbohydrates and a common consequence of this is a feeling of hunger within two to three hours, which can leave the dieter craving more food.”

They also warn patients: "For people with diabetes, this can be particularly dangerous as the ability of the body to control blood glucose levels is reduced or non-existent.”

So, what fruits should diabetics avoid?

High GI fruits to be avoided by diabetics

High GI fruits include:

Bananas
Oranges
Mango
Grapes
Raisins
Dates
Pears

Safer fruits for diabetics include:

Plums
Kiwis
Berries
Grapefruit

According to the NHS, lower GI items are recommended for those with diabetes - but a balanced diet is just as important. The NHS added: "Some low GI foods, such as wholegrain foods, fruit, vegetables, beans and lentils, are foods we should eat as part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, using the glycaemic index to decide whether foods or combinations of foods are healthy can be misleading.

“Foods with a high GI are not necessarily unhealthy and not all foods with a low GI are healthy. For example, watermelon and sometimes parsnips are high GI foods, while chocolate cake has a lower GI value.”

Diabetes.co.uk also said: "As low GI foods tend to break down more slowly, they are less likely to cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels compared to high GI foods and therefore they are a better option for keeping stable blood glucose levels.

“Favouring low GI foods over high GI foods leaves you feeling more satisfied over a longer period of time, and less likely to feel hungry before the next meal.”

There are lots of examples of high GI foods, that don't include fruit. These are: