Bananas contain sugars but it is restricted in diabetes. Is banana good for diabetes?

Banana when eaten in recommended amounts is good for a person with diabetes. Bananas have three natural sugars; glucose, fructose and sucrose. Besides carbohydrates it bananas are also packed with many other nutrients like potassium, tryptophan, B vitamins, iron and fiber. As bananas are loaded with simple carbohydrates they tend to increase your blood sugar levels in a very short period of time. Thus the serving size of banana is important and should be lower than any other fruit low in carbohydrates like a pear or an apple. For example, if you eat one apple in your mid morning snack then for a change or for variety you substitute the apple with banana, but remember the serving size will vary from the low carbohydrate fruits; you may include just half a medium size banana. The serving size will again largely depend on the number of calories you include in your daily diet. Banana and other fruits high in simple carbohydrates which can cause a blood sugar spike are often recommended for consumption in restricted amounts. However you need not avoid all these fruits completely. If you eat bananas and other fruits high in carbohydrates like mango, custard apple, sapota, jackfruit and grapes in moderation or in the recommended allowance, keeping in mind your carbohydrate intake per meal, then they are definitely good for a person with diabetes.

Diabetes Nutrition

However milkshakes of these fruits should be completely avoided. A banana milk shake or a mango milkshake will have a lot of calories in the form of simple carbohydrates that can raise your blood sugar level instantly. Moreover they are also very low in fiber and high in total calories which can contribute to weight gain. Weight gain can be a serious problem for a person with diabetes in the long term can cause many diabetes complications and uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

For a detailed account of the recommended and permissible intake of any food including fruits or vegetables consult a registered dietician for a detailed personalized diet plan.

Before changing your diet or lifestyle in a major way it would be wise to consult your specialist. Diabetes is a disorder which can not be cured but can be controlled by effectively managing and regulating your blood sugar levels, ensuring a normal healthy life. Management of diabetes includes a combination of medications, healthy diet and exercise. Take your medications or insulin on time, eat a healthy well balanced diet and follow a daily exercise regime to control your blood sugar levels. This combined approach, when followed religiously, can rarely cause any diabetes complications