Believe it or not, the notion that fruit is not safe when you need to watch your A1C is a popular diabetes myth that has been debunked repeatedly.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), many types of fruit are loaded with good-for-you vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This powerful nutrient can help regulate blood sugar levels, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Strawberries have the lowest amount of sugar per 1-cup serving compared to popular fruits such as apples and oranges, with about 7 g per serving, according to the USDA. “Strawberries can be the perfect low-calorie solution for someone with a sweet tooth,” says Mitzi Dulan, RD, Kansas City-based author of The Pinterest Diet: How to Pin Your Way Thin. “Research suggests that eating strawberries may help our bodies better use insulin, which can lower the amount needed to manage blood sugar after eating.” Preliminary research published in May 2020 in Food & Function suggests that berries, including strawberries, may improve insulin sensitivity and help prevent diabetes and its complications.

According to the USDA, raspberries have 8 g of fiber per cup – essentially one-third of your daily value of fiber for women in one serving. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says women should aim to take 25 g of fiber daily. Raspberries also have a GL of 2, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.

 

With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly.  Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat?  If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.