Frequently Asked Questions...

Health & Nutrition FAQ's

4. Can Diabetics Drink Fruit Juice?
It is important that people with diabetes develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular activity, healthy eating and maintaining a healthy bodyweight¹.

As a source of carbohydrate with a low Glycemic Index, moderate amounts of fruit juice, such as orange, pineapple or apple juice can be included with meals.

While there is no need for people with diabetes to follow a special diet, there are some important dietary principles that should be adopted to ensure the condition is well managed and the risks of complications are reduced.

Eat mainly high fibre carbohydrate foods such as wholegrain breads and cereals and vegetables and fruit.
Reduce fat intake, especially saturated fat.
Limiting the serving size of meals to help maintain a healthy body weight¹.

It is advisable to ensure each meal contains some carbohydrate as this is important for maintaining blood glucose levels.

The sample meal plan¹ below provides some suggestions:

Breakfast

Two slices of bread or toast – preferably wholegrain, wholemeal or high fibre white – with thinly spread margarine, peanut butter, jam, Vegemite, baked beans, grilled tomato or sardines.
Plus 100 mls of fruit juice such as orange juice.

Light meal

Soup (preferably one with vegetables and legumes).
One sandwich made with bread, one roll or six dry biscuits – preferably wholegrain or wholemeal – with thinly spread margarine or avocado.
Lots of salad vegetables.
90 to 120 grams of lean meat, skinless poultry or seafood; or two eggs; or 40 grams of fat reduced cheese; or a half a cup of legumes (such as beans or lentils).
One piece of fruit.
Water, tea or coffee.

Main meal

One cup of cooked rice or pasta or one medium potato.
Lots of other vegetables.
90 to 120 grams of lean meat, skinless poultry, seafood; or half a cup of legumes (such as beans or lentils).
One fruit or one small tub of yoghurt.
Water, tea or coffee.

What About Glycemic Index?

By eating a diet with a lower Glycemic Index or GI, people with diabetes can reduce their average blood glucose levels. This is important in reducing the risk of developing diabetes-related complications. A lower GI diet does this by improving the body's ability to use glucose for energy and by helping to lower blood fats (triglycerides) and raise HDL (healthy) cholesterol. Low GI foods may also help improve satiety (feelings of fullness), which may help with weight management².

The Victorian branch of Diabetes Australia have developed a very useful table to make it easier to identify foods with a low GI, simply click here.

For more helpful information on diet for diabetes visit:

References

The Better Health Channel, Department of Human Services Victoria, “Diabetes and healthy eating” www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, 1999, reviewed January 2006
Diabetes Australia, Victorian Branch, “The Glycemic Index”, www.dav.org.au 2004

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