Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

Q:
Is natural sugar as bad as the other sugars? Is it ok to eat certain fruit?

A:
Natural sugars, such as unrefined cane sugar and honey straight form the hive have a bit more nutrient value than refined sugars, but will raise blood sugar at about the same rate, and rather quickly. All fruits can be eaten; it is just important to pay attention to the amount of fruit. Generally, we caution one fruit serving at a time. This means a small piece. Some fruits are converted to sugar more quickly; grapes and dried fruits usually raise blood sugar faster. Testing your blood sugar will be the key as to how you are responding.