Aug 19, 2025

8 Fruits Pre-Diabetic and Diabetic People Must Avoid

Aanya Mehta

Mangoes

Mangoes are rich in vitamins but high in natural sugar. One medium mango has 45g of sugar, which can significantly elevate blood glucose.

Source: journal of nutrition and food sciences/ unsplash

Grapes

Grapes are concentrated in glucose and fructose. Even a handful can cause sugar spikes due to their medium to high GI (59).

Source: Harvard Health/ unsplash

Overripe Bananas

Ripe bananas convert starch into free sugars (glucose and fructose), leading to a higher GI (62 for ripe). Overripe bananas are especially risky for sugar spikes.

Source: National Library of Medicine/ unsplash

Cherries

While packed with antioxidants, sweet cherries are high in sugar (17–20g per cup) and can raise glucose levels quickly.

Source: USDA Food Data Central/ unsplash

Pineapple

Pineapple has a GI of 66 and causes rapid glucose absorption post meal, raising blood sugar levels quickly.

Source: healthline diabetes nutrition guide/ unsplash

Watermelon

Despite being hydrating, watermelon has a high GI of 72, making it one of the fastest blood sugar spiking fruits.

Source: Harvard Medical School/ unsplash

Lychees

Lychees are rich in vitamin C but also high in sugar (29g per cup). This sugar density makes them unsuitable for blood sugar management.

Source: healthline/ unsplash

Journal of Nutritional Science

Dates are nutrient dense but extremely high in natural sugar (18g per piece). Even a small portion can be equivalent to a dessert in sugar impact.

Source: journal of nutritional science/ unsplash

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