Are Dates Good for Diabetes?
Dates are a familiar fruit with a concentrated amount of carbohydrate. The key issue is not whether they are “natural,” but how they fit into your portion and treatment plan.
Dates, or khajoor, contain naturally occurring sugars and are more concentrated than many fresh fruits because they are dried. This means a small number can still contribute a meaningful amount of carbohydrate.
Can people with diabetes eat dates?
Some people with diabetes can include dates in their eating pattern, but the number of dates and their size matter. Treating dates as a free food simply because they are natural can lead to an unexpectedly large carbohydrate intake.
Pay attention during Ramadan
If you fast, diabetes management requires individualized planning, especially if you use insulin or medicines that can cause hypoglycemia. Do not copy another person's medication or fasting plan. Discuss fasting with your healthcare team before Ramadan.
“A date is still a carbohydrate food. Traditional and natural do not mean it has no effect on blood glucose.”
Frequently asked questions
How many dates can a diabetic eat?
There is no single number for everyone because dates vary in size and diabetes treatment plans differ. A dietitian or diabetes educator can help fit dates into your carbohydrate plan.
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