(Diabetic) Persimmons are really delicious… Can diabetics eat them?

It's persimmon season. A mouthful of sweet persimmons melts in your mouth, lifting your spirits. However, their sweetness can make diabetics anxious about eating them. Will their blood sugar spike?

"I'm a 40-year-old diabetic who was recently diagnosed with the disease. Before my diagnosis, I enjoyed eating seasonal fruits. Now, I'm worried about my blood sugar, so I'm barely able to eat."

Q. Can diabetics eat persimmons?

A. High-glycemic-index fruits… Eat no more than one small piece.

Persimmons are a fruit with a high glycemic index. Their glycemic index (GI) is 65, which is higher than the standard 55 for low-glycemic foods. This is similar to sweet potatoes, ice cream, and muffins. Their high simple sugar content also contributes to obesity. Furthermore, persimmons are made from the Daebong persimmon variety, which has a strong astringency. The tannins that contribute to the astringency can cause constipation, so caution is advised.

That doesn't mean you can't eat persimmons completely. Even if you have diabetes, you can still eat persimmons. While diabetics typically have strict dietary restrictions to control their blood sugar levels, there's no food they can't eat. In other words, as long as you stick to the "appropriate intake," you can eat anything.

Persimmons should be consumed in portions no larger than a fist. The timing of consumption is important. We recommend eating slowly, around 3-4 p.m., about 2-3 hours after a meal. Eating immediately after a meal can cause a rapid rise in postprandial blood sugar. If you're concerned about blood sugar, try taking a brisk walk after eating persimmons!

Just because fruit has a high glycemic index doesn't mean you have to just watch your family enjoy it. Eating the right amount of fruit allows you to reap the antioxidant benefits of the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients it contains.

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Looking at these delicious persimmons

I can't not eat it, right?

While checking blood sugar

I guess one small one is okay.