Let's start off by talking about what fructose is, and what is it found in?

Fructose is a sugar naturally found in fruits and vegetables, this is the natural form of fructose. However, fructose can also be added to foods which is how high fructose corn syrup is made. 

With that being said.. Is fructose good for you while managing diabetes?

Yes- fructose found naturally in foods is! When fructose is found in fruits and vegetables, you get the fiber, vitamins and minerals that the fruits and veggies have in them. Because of this, fructose produces a smaller rise in glucose after a meal compared to other common carbohydrates. 

The food that fructose is found in can determine if it's beneficial or not as much. For example, like mentioned earlier, natural fructose found in fruits and veggies can have a positive impact on your health. However, fructose is added to foods, which is typically in very high amounts such as high-fructose corn syrup is not beneficial. This concentrated high amount of fructose is found in processed foods and soft drinks such as Sprite, and Dr. Pepper. High fructose corn syrup is not a beneficial form of fructose because it doesn’t have the additional nutrients that are found in foods that naturally contain fructose. 

Another reason why natural fructose can be good for you, even while managing diabetes is because it does not promote insulin resistance, which is what we want when dealing with diabetes. It produces a lower glycemic response and is often recommended as a “safe” sweetener for people with diabetes. 

Consuming natural fructose can be a nice alternative if you're craving something sweet like a donut. Instead, opt for fruit which is sweet enough to satisfy that craving while being able to manage the diabetes and feel great afterwards.

The naturally containing fructose foods - fruits and veggies provide so many benefits to your body! They help fight the inflammation you are dealing with by boosting the immune system and having antioxidant properties, and even help with healing. They contain large amounts of fiber, helping to balance your blood sugar levels and have been associated with a reduction in fasting glucose levels! This results in improved glucose tolerance, proving that natural fructose can really help manage your diabetes and most importantly make you feel better.