
There are 2 types
of diabetes. The first requires insulin and is often referred to as type
1 or Insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2, non–insulin dependent diabetes,
makes up 90% of all diabetics; this type is a lifestyle disease, often,
called sugar diabetes.
Today, with the rise
of obesity in children, the rate of type 2 diabetes in kids is increasing
at an alarming rate. A diet low in saturated fat with well controlled
blood glucose levels that incorporates weight control, exercise and fewer
refined sugars is recommended. Controlling blood glucose levels with diet,
and in some cases medication, is the key.
Including fruit in
the diet is part of a healthy lifestyle. Fruit generally has a greater
level of fructose, or fruit sugar, that does not require insulin for absorption.
Fructose is converted into glucose by the liver. Fruit can readily be
included in a diabetic diet and is also low in fat and sodium; and high in
fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Kiwifruit has a moderate
to low Glycemic Index of 52, per 120-gram serving (one jumbo-sized kiwifruit,
retail size 27). This means it does not rapidly raise blood glucose levels.
However, overeating any fruit can raise the total carbohydrate content
of the overall diet and create a higher than desirable blood glucose level.
Eating fruit throughout the day helps to control blood glucose levels
and provides a healthy alternative to high-fat or high-sugar snacks. This
also assists with weight loss for those with type 2 diabetes who need
to reduce body weight to help control their disease.
The fructose and fiber
found in kiwifruit are largely responsible for the glycemic ranking. Gold
does contain slightly more carbohydrate and more fructose, which may provide
for a slightly lower glycemic index than green, but this has yet to be
proven.
Note: Including
more fruit in diets of diabetic patients with kidney disease would depend on their
unique potassium requirements (these can be high or low) and are often
very individual.
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