Frequently asked questions

How many bananas can a person with diabetes eat a day?

If you have diabetes, the amount of bananas you can eat a day depends entirely on you as an individual, your daily carbohydrate level, activity level, and how bananas affect your blood sugar.

Some people’s blood sugar levels may be more sensitive to bananas than others. Knowing how bananas affect your blood sugar can help you manage your medications and insulin injections, if necessary.

All in all, it’s best to consult a doctor or registered dietitian about including bananas in your diet.

Do bananas raise your 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. It notes that eating fiber can help lower blood sugar levels.

You can enjoy bananas with healthy fats and protein to help minimize the blood sugar response.

What is the best fruit for people with diabetes?

The best fruit for people with diabetes is any fresh, frozen, or canned fruit without added sugar.

Including various fruit into your diet can help provide a variety of different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

However, remember to be mindful of portion size. It’s best to limit fruit to a small piece of whole fruit or half cup portion size per meal or snack, and pair it with a protein or healthy fat source.

What foods can people with diabetes eat freely?

It is important to eat a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods in portion sizes appropriate for meeting individualized nutrition goals.

Low carbohydrate whole foods that have a minimal effect on blood sugar can be beneficial for people with diabetes. These include:

nonstarchy vegetables, like cabbage, cucumber, and leafy greens

lean proteins, like chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu

healthy fats, like walnuts, avocados, and flaxseeds

However, even though a food is low carb, it doesn’t mean it is OK to eat it in large amounts every day. A diet with little variety can lead to nutrition deficiencies.