Is Banana Good for Diabetes? Explore the Impact of Bananas on Blood Sugar (2024)

Wise blood sugar management can prevent or slow the progression of diabetes-induced medical complications. Therefore, people with diabetes must plan their diet carefully.

When blood sugar levels rise in individuals without diabetes, their bodies produce insulin, which helps move sugar out of the blood and into the cells, where it is used or stored. However, in people diagnosed with this lifestyle condition, the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells are resistant to the insulin produced.

What you need to know?

  • Amount of sugar and carbs in bananas
  • Is banana good for diabetes?
  • Do bananas raise your blood sugar?
  • How many bananas can a diabetic eat in a day?

Is Banana Good for Diabetes? Explore the Impact of Bananas on Blood Sugar (1)

While fruits and vegetables are healthy and nutritious, they contain natural sugars, which might cause a blood sugar spike in people with diabetes. One such fruit is bananas, which people with diabetes can eat in moderation. Bananas grow on plants with 50–150 bananas in each bunch. They are available in small to large sizes. Therefore, the question stands – Is banana good for diabetes?

Amount of sugar and carbs in bananas

One medium-sized banana, about 126 grams, contains 29 grams of carbs per serving and 112 calories, a vital consideration for individuals with diabetes. The carbs are in the form of starch, sugar, and fiber. There are 15 grams of sugar in bananas, making them a low glycemic medium-sized fruit. A food’s glycemic index (GI) measures how much it affects blood sugar levels. The 3 grams of fiber in bananas is particularly essential for people with diabetes because it can help slow digestion and absorption of carbs. As a result, dietary fiber can help reduce the possibility of a blood sugar spike and improves overall blood sugar management.

Is banana good for diabetes?

The amount of carbs in bananas also depends on their ripeness. Green or unripe bananas contain more resistant starch and less sugar. Resistant starches comprise long chains of glucose (starch) resistant to digestion in the small intestine. Instead, it ferments in the large intestine and feeds good gut bacteria, which can improve your metabolic health and blood sugar management. Therefore, fully ripe bananas have a higher GI and cause blood sugar levels to rise faster.

Do bananas raise your blood sugar?

The portion size of the fruit (called the glycemic load) is equally significant in determining your intake. The bigger the banana, the more carbs you consume, significantly impacting your blood sugar levels.

In contrast to refined sugar products and processed foods, like cakes, candies, or sweetened beverages, bananas are highly nutritious. They are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, and dietary fiber, making bananas a healthy food choice.

How many bananas can a diabetic eat in a day?

People with diabetes can eat 1-2 medium-sized bananas a day. You can also follow the given tips to minimize their effect on your blood sugar levels:

  • Eat a smaller banana to reduce your sugar intake.
  • Try eating less ripened bananas, so the sugar is slightly on the lower side.
  • Spread your fruit intake throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels stable and reduce the glycemic load.
  • Pair bananas with a healthy fat or protein source, such as nuts, yogurt, sunflower seeds, or peanut butter, which can slow the process of digestion and absorption of sugar.

You can consult your dietician or doctor, who can chart a healthy eating plan. If you want to measure your blood glucose levels online, look at our online Blood Sugar Calculator.

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Is Banana Good for Diabetes? Explore the Impact of Bananas on Blood Sugar (2024)

FAQs

Is Banana Good for Diabetes? Explore the Impact of Bananas on Blood Sugar? ›

A banana will raise your blood sugar, but how much will depend on the size and ripeness of the banana, and the foods it is paired with. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating bananas and other fruit as they contain fiber.

How many bananas can a diabetic eat a day? ›

People with diabetes can eat 1-2 medium-sized bananas a day. You can also follow the given tips to minimize their effect on your blood sugar levels: Eat a smaller banana to reduce your sugar intake. Try eating less ripened bananas, so the sugar is slightly on the lower side.

Can I eat a banana to lower my blood sugar? ›

Eating this healthy fruit can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and improve heart health. Though bananas are higher in carbs and sugars than some foods, they also contain fiber and resistant starch that slows down the digestion and release of sugar into your bloodstream.

What fruit is good for lowering blood sugar? ›

Berries. Don't make your trip to the store fruitless. Dad jokes aside, foods like blueberries provide fiber and antioxidants known to lower blood sugar and inflammation. Similarly, one study found strawberries reduced diabetes complications like kidney disease and nerve damage.

Can I eat bananas while taking metformin? ›

It's okay to eat fruits and vegetables with a higher sugar content in moderation (i.e., bananas and sweet potatoes) because natural sugars don't affect your blood sugar levels the same way as added sugars do.

What time of day should a diabetic eat a banana? ›

One small study in 2014 found that eating a 250- or 500-g serving of bananas each day with breakfast significantly reduced blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.

What fruit does not spike blood sugar? ›

Strawberries and raspberries.

As sweet as they taste, strawberries contain the lowest amount of sugar per serving. Research shows they help the body better use insulin, lowering the amount needed to manage your blood sugar after a meal. Raspberries are also loaded with fiber and low in sugar.

Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

Why does my blood sugar go up after eating a banana? ›

Bananas contain carbs, which raise blood sugar

This is because carbs raise your blood sugar level more than other nutrients, which means they can greatly affect your blood sugar management. When blood sugar levels rise in people without diabetes, their bodies produce insulin.

What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›

You limit dairy products, red meat, sweets, added sugars, sodium (salt), and highly processed foods. Some additional guidelines include focusing on seasonal produce and reading food labels to help you avoid added sodium and sugar.

How can I flush sugar out of my system fast? ›

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning? ›

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

What is the one food that lowers blood sugar? ›

1. Legumes. Studies have shown that protein-rich legumes can help reduce your blood sugar response to meals you eat later in the day. There's also evidence that following a low-GI diet rich in legumes may reduce blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes and improve blood sugar control.

Is a banana a day too much for a diabetic? ›

If you are taking beta-blocker medications for cardiovascular disease, you should also eat fewer bananas, as this class of medications raises potassium levels in the blood. In general, most people with diabetes can eat one or two medium-sized bananas a day, keeping in mind what other fruit you are consuming.

Are grapes ok for diabetics? ›

The low range of GI and GL make grapes an acceptable and desirable part of the diet of diabetic individuals. Grapes, especially darkly colored fruits, have an abundance of antioxidant molecules that have the ability to regulate insulin and glucose metabolism and oxidative stress induced in this disease.

Are eggs good for diabetics? ›

Eggs are a nutritious choice for people with diabetes

Protein-rich foods can play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and improving glucose control. A serving of two large eggs contains 13 grams of high-quality protein, making eggs an excellent choice to include at meals and snacks.

Is 2 bananas a day too much sugar? ›

While there's no strict rule, it's best not to eat more than one or two bananas a day. Eating more could lead to weight gain, as they contain both carbohydrates and sugar. Ensure you're eating a balanced diet by including a range of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Does blending a banana increase sugar? ›

Smoothies are high in sugar

If you blend fruit, the natural sugars are released from within the cell walls of the fruit and become “free sugars”.

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