Diabetes and Fruit Separate From Meals
- Womenscorner Desk
- June 28, 2020
There are many myths regarding when to eat fruit. Diabetes and fruit separate from meals is one of the myths. Here we will discuss this myth with evidence behind them.
Another claim states that the best time for people with diabetes to eat fruit is 1–2 hours either before or after a meal.
This myth is based around the idea, as discussed earlier, that eating fruit with a meal can interfere with digestion, and that this can especially affect a person with diabetes, due to common co-occurring digestive problems.
Firstly, there is no evidence suggesting that eating fruit separate from meals will improve digestion. Secondly, for someone with diabetes, eating fruit alone can cause the sugars to enter the bloodstream more quickly, potentially raising blood sugar more than when eating fruit with other foods.
Rather than eating fruits separately, a person with diabetes can benefit from pairing fruits with other foods that are high in protein, fiber, or fats.
According to research, protein, fiber, and fat help the stomach slow the release of food into the small intestine. This way, the body absorbs smaller amounts of sugar at a time, which limits its effect on blood sugar levels.
Research also shows that soluble fiber can reduce a rise in blood sugar, which can be very beneficial for people with diabetes. In addition, enjoying a piece of fruit before a meal can help deter overeating, as it aids in feeling full sooner.
