Fruit

Burgers83

Newbie
Messages
1
Hi

I have just recently been diagnosed with diabetes. I am due to see the DN in Jan. I’ve been prescribed Metformin so I’m assuming I’m type 2??????

Please can anyone help me, I eat a lot of fruit is this bad with diabetes? Apart from foods high in carbs, is there anything I should be avoiding?

Thanks

Sam
 

Pura Vida

Well-Known Member
Messages
746
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Fruit is a no no ,except perhaps berries and sour cherries no more than a small cup.
I have this for breakfast mixed with various nuts
 

HICHAM_T2

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,447
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Nothing
Hi

I have just recently been diagnosed with diabetes. I am due to see the DN in Jan. I’ve been prescribed Metformin so I’m assuming I’m type 2??????

Please can anyone help me, I eat a lot of fruit is this bad with diabetes? Apart from foods high in carbs, is there anything I should be avoiding?

Thanks

Sam
Hi
I think you should leave fruit just 50 g per day
Most fruits are high in carbohydrates 15g to 30g of carbs per 100g
 

Mr_Pot

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,573
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Until I was diagnosed I was proud of the large amounts of fruit I used to eat thinking it was good for my health. Now I eat hardly any except for an occasional satsuma or a few raspberries. These charts are very useful.....
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb#advice
 

Guzzler

Master
Messages
10,577
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Poor grammar, bullying and drunks.
Most fruit is very high carb though a few berries eaten after a meal are fine. The baddies are sugar, bread, potatoes, pasta, rice and anything made with flour. To cut down/out on these has a direct affect on blood glucose levels. I will page @daisy1 who will post an information pack offered to new members.
I would recommend buying a glucose meter as this will tell you in real time which foods spike your glucose levels. I would suggest that you get a carb/cal app or book so you can see at a glance which foods are high/low carb.

Welcome to the forum, have a read around and relax, you've come to the best place for info, support and advice.
 

Art Of Flowers

Well-Known Member
Messages
956
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Get a glucose meter and check what foods spike your blood sugars. Best to avoid high carb food such as breakfast cereals, bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. Fruit juice should be avoided as should fruit such as bananas and grapes. I have strawberries with cream as this is relatively low carb.
 

Rachox

Oracle
Retired Moderator
Messages
15,905
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Welcome to the Forum Burger83. I second getting a blood glucose meter, that’s how I’ve learnt that I can tolerate a few strawberries or raspberries with cream or Greek yoghurt after a meal.
 

Majella77

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi

I have just recently been diagnosed with diabetes. I am due to see the DN in Jan. I’ve been prescribed Metformin so I’m assuming I’m type 2??????

Please can anyone help me, I eat a lot of fruit is this bad with diabetes? Apart from foods high in carbs, is there anything I should be avoiding?

Thanks

Sam
Hi - Also just recently diagnosed in Ireland (early October 2017). I've learned that, as an adult, they treat as Type 2 until they carry out the HBa1c test, and until you get to a diabetes clinic/diabetes nurse/endocrinologist. So I was prescribed Metformin to begin with. My HBa1c was high but given my age, weight etc. thought I was probably Type 1. They continued with the Metformin and started me on a low, slow-acting, one-shot-a-day insulin pen. Type 1 confirmed when the GAD antibody results came back. When my BG levels got to be under control and they reviewed the medication and discontinued with the Metformin. With regard to your Fruit question, I can take some fruits, but not others without big spikes. Bananas are a no-go for me (and they were my usual go-to energy snack), but I can take a small apple as a snack, and it's fine, I have blueberries and raspberries with breakfast every morning, and again - they're fine. Monitoring your BG levels alongside the foods you eat will be really helpful for you (and the medical practitioners) to ascertain what is right and wrong for you - I think it's all very personal.
Good luck!
 

daisy1

Legend
Messages
26,457
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Cruelty towards animals.
@Burgers83

Hello Burgers83 and welcome to the Forum :) Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it interesting and useful. Ask as many questions as you like and someone will be able to help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 259,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.
  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why
  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
 

Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Hello and welcome to the forum.

It is the fructose in the fruit that is damaging. Fructose is fairly unique in that it isn't digested in the stomach like most foods, it is dealt with in the liver and leads to fatty livers and in some people, obesity. Fatty livers are what most T2s have when diagnosed, and this causes many problems with diabetes control.

https://www.dietdoctor.com/fructose-fatty-liver-sugar-toxin
 
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Pinkorchid

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,927
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Oh lucky you, I take it you had all the scans to show this?
I had never heard of scans to show it never been asked to have one I go on my liver and kidney function blood tests which have always been really good if not I am sure the doctor would have asked for a scan
 

woodywhippet61

Well-Known Member
Messages
489
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I had never heard of scans to show it never been asked to have one I go on my liver and kidney function blood tests which have always been really good if not I am sure the doctor would have asked for a scan

I had an ultra sound which is why I know I have a fatty liver. However after eating LCHF for 3 months my next test result showed normal liver function. I tried asking the DN about it i.e. did this mean that I still have a fatty liver and her reply was the liver can repair itself. ............

I doubt if anyone would be offered an ultra sound scan if their oft results didn't point out anything that would be of concern.

I love fruit and so I do indulge in lots of berries normally a mix of raspberries and blueberries and occasionally cherries. I don't eat them everyday though and I do eat them with full fat yoghurt and/or double cream.
 
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Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
I had never heard of scans to show it never been asked to have one I go on my liver and kidney function blood tests which have always been really good if not I am sure the doctor would have asked for a scan

Only a scan can tell you if you have a fatty liver and the extent of it. The blood tests for liver functions are only snapshot indications. My liver function tests including the Gamma GT have always been perfect as far back as my Patient Access records go (over 10 years) so I have never been offered a scan, but it doesn't mean to say I don't have a fatty liver. If we have insulin resistance enough to give us T2 we will have a fatty liver. Of course, as with everything, there will be exceptions.
 

derry60

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,196
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Rudeness,people being unkind
Bluetit is right. To absolutely confirm a fatty liver a Scan is done. Although only a Scan is advised if the doctor gets the blood test results back and they find that the Enzymes are higher than normal. I would imagine if the blood tests are showing no abnormality everything is ok. Well I hope so lol






 
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Pinkorchid

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,927
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Bluetit is right. To absolutely confirm a fatty liver a Scan is done. Although only a Scan is advised if the doctor gets the blood test results back and they find that the Enzymes are higher than normal. I would imagine if the blood tests are showing no abnormality everything is ok. Well I hope so lol





My doctor actually said at my last blood test that apart from the cholesterol level still a bit high my kidney and liver results ..her words were ..super good
 
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P

pollensa

Guest
Welcome to the Forum Burger83. I second getting a blood glucose meter, that’s how I’ve learnt that I can tolerate a few strawberries or raspberries with cream or Greek yoghurt after a meal.
Hello there,

I always feel frustrated and sad to see people like yourself with the smile...as your A1C is looking good and reduced, and this is wonderful to have the level your at, only for one thing, its not real its false reading, as if your taking Metformin, this is allowing you to eat more or less in moderation although cutting down carbs etc., and little fruit with yogurt as you say, for the fact, the Metformin lowers the levels, but does not get the sugar out of your system in my opinion, so when you go for an A1C yes, it shows better, but its not really.

its like having high blood pressure, they say take blood pressure pill, and then say, this little white pill will allow you to eat salt, where is the good medical sense in that, why not simply say, cut out salt or lessen, if you cook with hit, don't eat at table or if you don't cook with salt put a little on your meal.....

Its great to see yourself and may more who are happy chappies because your levels are low on A1C, but think about the fact this is because its due to medications, and not the fact you have lessened by yourself, your own body has naturally reduced.

My self an example, I put my metformin down the toilet, basically, that does not mean you have to, but I explain my situation, instead, I just changed my life completely always healthy, organic and fruits fruits, tropical in my years in Oz, and here in Mallorca, loved macadamia nut bread and cheeses, bread is bad, who would have thought that, but I do now, so for 11 months I have not had bread pasta, potatoes or rice, truly! walk min 5klm a day up to 8 depending on weather and time, eat as you yogurt and strawberries for breakfast 3 days a week, but I intermittent fast 2 days for 18 hrs and one day for 24, and its this routine regime WITHOUT ANY MEDICATION WHATSOEVER, THAT GOT MY A1C DOWN 23% IN JUST 4 MONTHS.

Did I get a pat on the back from my Doctor when he saw the results no, it was simply, its lowered because you are metformin patting himself on the back he had done his job, that's what they are there for just to prescribe pills, I had pleasure to raise to his attention, with no respect to him, but I was not taking \metformin, and decided to change my life diet and exercise more and that is also keeping my finger numbers down 88mg/dl for Random, 84 for 2 hr after eat and 80 mg/dl wonderful for fasting level, and these are not JUST HAVING A GOOD DAY, these levels of finger testing which I do only now every four months!!!! not daily, hourly weekly or monthly, they are the same levels CONSISTENTLY, ONE OR TWO NUMBERS UP OR DOWN.

I hope by outlining this, without taking your happiness away, its great your levels are as you inform, but it is because of medication, and false reading at the end of the day unfortunately.

Try intermittent fasting, view Dr. Jason Fung he is amazing in his viewings on Diabetes and eat Keto eating plan shown on Dietdoctor website, that's all I eat, wonderful real food, butter cream, and lost 21 kilos on the weigh in yesterday in 11 months and feeling the fittest I have done for years and still surfing daily at 68 years of age.

Good Luck.

Mallorca
 

Rachox

Oracle
Retired Moderator
Messages
15,905
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello there,

I always feel frustrated and sad to see people like yourself with the smile...as your A1C is looking good and reduced, and this is wonderful to have the level your at, only for one thing, its not real its false reading, as if your taking Metformin, this is allowing you to eat more or less in moderation although cutting down carbs etc., and little fruit with yogurt as you say, for the fact, the Metformin lowers the levels, but does not get the sugar out of your system in my opinion, so when you go for an A1C yes, it shows better, but its not really.

its like having high blood pressure, they say take blood pressure pill, and then say, this little white pill will allow you to eat salt, where is the good medical sense in that, why not simply say, cut out salt or lessen, if you cook with hit, don't eat at table or if you don't cook with salt put a little on your meal.....

Its great to see yourself and may more who are happy chappies because your levels are low on A1C, but think about the fact this is because its due to medications, and not the fact you have lessened by yourself, your own body has naturally reduced.

My self an example, I put my metformin down the toilet, basically, that does not mean you have to, but I explain my situation, instead, I just changed my life completely always healthy, organic and fruits fruits, tropical in my years in Oz, and here in Mallorca, loved macadamia nut bread and cheeses, bread is bad, who would have thought that, but I do now, so for 11 months I have not had bread pasta, potatoes or rice, truly! walk min 5klm a day up to 8 depending on weather and time, eat as you yogurt and strawberries for breakfast 3 days a week, but I intermittent fast 2 days for 18 hrs and one day for 24, and its this routine regime WITHOUT ANY MEDICATION WHATSOEVER, THAT GOT MY A1C DOWN 23% IN JUST 4 MONTHS.

Did I get a pat on the back from my Doctor when he saw the results no, it was simply, its lowered because you are metformin patting himself on the back he had done his job, that's what they are there for just to prescribe pills, I had pleasure to raise to his attention, with no respect to him, but I was not taking \metformin, and decided to change my life diet and exercise more and that is also keeping my finger numbers down 88mg/dl for Random, 84 for 2 hr after eat and 80 mg/dl wonderful for fasting level, and these are not JUST HAVING A GOOD DAY, these levels of finger testing which I do only now every four months!!!! not daily, hourly weekly or monthly, they are the same levels CONSISTENTLY, ONE OR TWO NUMBERS UP OR DOWN.

I hope by outlining this, without taking your happiness away, its great your levels are as you inform, but it is because of medication, and false reading at the end of the day unfortunately.

Try intermittent fasting, view Dr. Jason Fung he is amazing in his viewings on Diabetes and eat Keto eating plan shown on Dietdoctor website, that's all I eat, wonderful real food, butter cream, and lost 21 kilos on the weigh in yesterday in 11 months and feeling the fittest I have done for years and still surfing daily at 68 years of age.

Good Luck.

Mallorca
I put a lot of effort into controlling my blood sugar levels, I count my carb intake very accurately (50-70g/day), I test very regularly to check if my body isn’t tolerating something I’ve eaten. I don’t eat pasta, rice, normal bread or cereals. Metformin does very little to lower blood glucose levels and my levels do not spike and dip dramatically so I have faith that my HbA1c is an accurate reflection of my readings. It has also helped me lose 27.6kg easily, which will help too. I’m happy to take Metformin for the small amount it helps my blood sugar by stalling liver dump and helping ease insulin resistance, and also for the other benefits it gives. Fasting doesn’t suit me, I’ve tried it, my blood glucose levels just rise until I eat! I tested that recently when I fasted for my blood test.
I’m happy with the way I’m dealing with my Diabetes and you’re obviously happy with your way and thus we have to agree to differ.
 
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Boo1979

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,849
Type of diabetes
Other
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello there,

I always feel frustrated and sad to see people like yourself with the smile...as your A1C is looking good and reduced, and this is wonderful to have the level your at, only for one thing, its not real its false reading, as if your taking Metformin, this is allowing you to eat more or less in moderation although cutting down carbs etc., and little fruit with yogurt as you say, for the fact, the Metformin lowers the levels, but does not get the sugar out of your system in my opinion, so when you go for an A1C yes, it shows better, but its not really.

its like having high blood pressure, they say take blood pressure pill, and then say, this little white pill will allow you to eat salt, where is the good medical sense in that, why not simply say, cut out salt or lessen, if you cook with hit, don't eat at table or if you don't cook with salt put a little on your meal.....

Its great to see yourself and may more who are happy chappies because your levels are low on A1C, but think about the fact this is because its due to medications, and not the fact you have lessened by yourself, your own body has naturally reduced.

My self an example, I put my metformin down the toilet, basically, that does not mean you have to, but I explain my situation, instead, I just changed my life completely always healthy, organic and fruits fruits, tropical in my years in Oz, and here in Mallorca, loved macadamia nut bread and cheeses, bread is bad, who would have thought that, but I do now, so for 11 months I have not had bread pasta, potatoes or rice, truly! walk min 5klm a day up to 8 depending on weather and time, eat as you yogurt and strawberries for breakfast 3 days a week, but I intermittent fast 2 days for 18 hrs and one day for 24, and its this routine regime WITHOUT ANY MEDICATION WHATSOEVER, THAT GOT MY A1C DOWN 23% IN JUST 4 MONTHS.

Did I get a pat on the back from my Doctor when he saw the results no, it was simply, its lowered because you are metformin patting himself on the back he had done his job, that's what they are there for just to prescribe pills, I had pleasure to raise to his attention, with no respect to him, but I was not taking \metformin, and decided to change my life diet and exercise more and that is also keeping my finger numbers down 88mg/dl for Random, 84 for 2 hr after eat and 80 mg/dl wonderful for fasting level, and these are not JUST HAVING A GOOD DAY, these levels of finger testing which I do only now every four months!!!! not daily, hourly weekly or monthly, they are the same levels CONSISTENTLY, ONE OR TWO NUMBERS UP OR DOWN.

I hope by outlining this, without taking your happiness away, its great your levels are as you inform, but it is because of medication, and false reading at the end of the day unfortunately.

Try intermittent fasting, view Dr. Jason Fung he is amazing in his viewings on Diabetes and eat Keto eating plan shown on Dietdoctor website, that's all I eat, wonderful real food, butter cream, and lost 21 kilos on the weigh in yesterday in 11 months and feeling the fittest I have done for years and still surfing daily at 68 years of age.

Good Luck.

Mallorca
I do not think it appropriate to call anyones hba1c results “false” - all they are is a measure of how well controlled someones blood sugars are, by whatever means appropriate to the severity and stage of their diabetes
In the pre-diabetes stage where you are people are unlikely to need any medication and the early stages of full blown diabetes, people are also less likely to need medication, But by the same token the longer someone has diabetes the more likely it is that diet alone will be insufficient and that medication will be required in order to manage the disease.