Maxy sez : These are the best fruits for diabetes

By Maria Masters        Reviewed by Kelly Kennedy, R

1 .   The Best Fruits to Manage Your Blood Sugar
Warm weather means lots of luscious fruit. But if you have diabetes, you may be wondering how these seasonal treats can fit into your diet plan. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber and should be a part of a diabetes-friendly diet — just keep track of them as you do with all carbs. The key is to keep an eye on portion sizes and to stay away from fruits canned in syrups or contained in other types of added sugar. If you're using the glycemic index (GI) — a measure of how foods affect your blood sugar levels — to manage your diabetes, most fruits are a good choice because they rate low on the ranking. Satisfy your sweet tooth and keep your blood sugar in check with the following fresh or frozen low-GI choices.

2 .    Berries for Antioxidants
Whether you love blueberries, strawberries, or any other type of berry, you have the go-ahead to indulge. According to the ADA, berries are a diabetes superfood because they're packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, plus they're low-GI. Three quarters of a cup of fresh blueberries has 62 calories and 16 grams (g) of carbohydrates. If you can resist the urge to just pop them into your mouth, try berries in a parfait, alternating layers of fruit with plain non-fat yogurt — it makes a great dessert or breakfast.

3. Cherries
Tart cherries are a low-GI choice and a smart addition to a diabetes-friendly diet. One cup has 78 calories and 19 g of carbs, and they may be especially good at fighting inflammation, too. Tart cherries are also packed with antioxidants, which may help fight heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. These fruits can be purchased fresh, canned, frozen, or dried. But since many canned and dried fruits contain added sugar, be sure to check the labels .

4   Peaches for Potassium
Fragrant, juicy peaches are a warm-weather treat and can also be included in your diabetes-friendly diet. Peaches contain vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber and are delicious on their own or tossed into iced tea for a fruity twist. When you want a snack, whip up a quick smoothie by pureeing peach slices with low-fat buttermilk, crushed ice, and a touch of cinnamon or ginger.

5    Apricots for Fiber
Apricots are a sweet summer fruit staple and a wonderful addition to your diabetes meal plan. One apricot has just 17 calories and 4 g of carbohydrates. Four fresh apricots equal one serving and provide more than 50 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement. These fruity jewels are also a good source of fiber. Try mixing some diced fresh apricots into hot or cold cereal, or toss some in a salad.

6   Apples for Vitamins
An apple a day really might keep the doctor away. Toss one in your purse or tote bag if you're on the go; a small apple is a great fruit choice, with just 77 calories and 21 g carbs. Apples are also loaded with fiber and a good source of vitamin C. Don't peel your apples, though — the skins are the most nutritious part, full of antioxidants.

7  Oranges for Vitamin C
Eat one orange and you've gotten all the vitamin C you need in a day. This low-GI choice comes in at only 15 g of carbohydrates and 62 calories. Oranges also contain folate and potassium, which may help normalize blood pressure. And while you're enjoying this juicy treat, don't forget that other citrus fruits, like grapefruit, are also great choices.

8   Pears for Vitamin K and Fiber
Because pears are an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin K, they make a wise addition to your diabetes meal plan. Plus, unlike most fruit, they actually improve in texture and flavor after they're picked. Store pears at room temperature until they're ripe and perfect for eating (they can then be stored in the refrigerator). Here's a tasty treat: Slice up a pear and toss it into your next spinach salad.

9   Low-Carb Kiwi
If you've never tried a kiwi, you might not know that its brown fuzzy peel hides a zesty bright green fruit. Delicious kiwi is a good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. One large kiwi has about 56 calories and 13 g of carbohydrates, so it's a smart addition to your diabetes-friendly diet. Kiwis are available year-round and will last in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.