How can a person with diabetes enjoy eating fruits?

Dr. Sunil Gupta highlighted several key aspects of diabetes management, emphasizing the importance of balance, awareness, and regular monitoring. He explained that both glucose and fructose are simple carbohydrates, but glucose has a glycemic index of 100, while fructose is slightly lower. Eating sweets or sugary foods leads to a rapid spike in blood sugar, so it is better to avoid fruit juices and consume whole fruits instead, as their fiber helps reduce the glycemic load and glycemic index. People with controlled diabetes should choose low-sugar fruits such as apple, jamun (black plum), and papaya, while high-sugar fruits like mango, chikoo, pineapple should be taken in limited quantities—around 50 grams or two slices. Including protein and complex carbohydrates in meals helps slow sugar absorption and prevents nighttime low sugar (hypoglycemia). Dr. Gupta further explained that swelling in the body can be due to kidney problems, heart failure, liver disease (such as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), or certain diabetes medications; in such cases, both salt and water intake should be limited. He stressed that about 70% of diabetic patients die from heart attacks or brain strokes, making regular heart check-ups is essential even if the ECG appears normal. Because diabetes weakens immunity, infections occur more easily, and wounds heal slowly; hence, maintaining blood sugar control is vital. To prevent hypoglycemia, one should eat something every three to four hours. Finally, he advised that diabetes screening should be done at least once a year—or earlier if symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, or frequent urination appear. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta Anchor- Mrs. Shraddha Bharadwaj Podcast: 24/05/2019 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur Episode: 92