Type 2 diabetes can be managed by diet, lifestyle modification, and medication. The general perception is that if one is diagnosed with the condition, their world becomes topsy-turvy and they can no more lead a normal life. While it is a life-changing condition, you do not need to put all your plans and ambitions on hold. Frequent screening and paying attention to symptoms can help in the early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Unlike for type 1 diabetes, the restrictions in the diet are not permanent. The dietary guidelines essentially focus on keeping the sugar consumption within control and require one to stay away from particular food groups.

Apart from foods rich in sugar-content, simple carbohydrates, animal protein, and saturated fats, there are other food items too that can cause a spike in food levels. For example, fruits! Forming a main portion of most diets, some fruits have a lot of natural sugar and are among the foods to avoid when one is suffering from type 2 diabetes. Here are certain reasons why.

• Fructose

Fructose is the natural sugar found in food. The sugar that our body gets by eating these fruits is actually enough to manage our body’s requirements. Some fruits have more fructose than others do and not all diabetics react similarly to the same fruit. Test your sugar levels after eating a particular fruit and if you feel any change in symptoms, discontinue eating it. Over a period, you will be able to isolate those fruits which do not work for you. Fructose-rich fruits are mangoes, melons, plums, and cherries, among others.

• High GI

Like in any other food group, Low GI diet benefits people with type 2 diabetes. Fruits with high GI and other overripe ones can increase sugar levels significantly. Examples of the same are pineapple and watermelon.

• Fiber

The fiber found in whole fruit is more than in peeled fruit, which is why the former is considered safe for people with type 2 diabetes. Apples, pears, and berries that can be eaten as is do not add too much sugar to the body. Cooking a fruit breaks down the fruit and once you eat it, it is almost instantly absorbed into the system leading to an immediate rise in sugar levels. Hence, you should avoid cooked or stewed fruit. Bananas are another type of food to be avoided by those with type 2 diabetes.

• Fruit juice

Though doctors generally recommend higher consumption of fruits in a daily diet, they usually mean fresh fruits and not fruit juices. The latter is processed, and sugar is added along with additives and preservatives to extend shelf life. In this process, we may lose many of the fruit’s original nutrients. The fruit is already broken down completely and when one drinks fruit juices, sugar levels spike almost instantly.

• Dried fruits

Dried fruits are an ideal snack. But since they are dried, they can have concentrated carbs, additional sugar, and low fiber content. This is because most fruits are dried after removing their skin. Once peeled, sugar is added, processed, and the fruit is then dried. This makes it unsuitable for people sufefering from type 2 diabetes.