Over 70% of Diabetes Patients Mistakenly Believe Sweetness Equals High GI; Experts Urge Correct Fruit Intake

(CNA, Reporter Shen Pei-yao, Taipei, July 1) Mistaking taste for physical sensation, a recent survey by the Diabetes Educators Association of Taiwan reveals that for the past decade, over 70% of diabetes patients have been trapped in the "sweet = high GI" myth about fruits, experiencing a fear of sweetness. On average, they consume only 0.4 servings of fruit daily, less than one-fifth of the recommended amount, resulting in a nutritional deficit.

Blood sugar control is a lifelong challenge for diabetes patients, with dietary control being paramount. The Diabetes Educators Association of Taiwan today released its latest "2026 Diabetes Patients and Relatives Fruit and Vegetable Intake Cognition Survey." While the term "glycemic index" (GI value) has a high recognition rate of 98%, the misconception that "high-sweetness foods easily cause blood sugar to rise" remains deeply ingrained.

Dr. Ou Hong-yi, Chairman of the Diabetes Educators Association of Taiwan, pointed out that comparing data from 10 years ago to the present, 75% of patients still hesitate to eat fruits due to concerns about their sugar content. This "sweet = high GI" misconception leads to severe defensive eating, causing a significant deficiency in nutrients like dietary fiber and vitamin C, which are typically obtained from fruits.

The Diabetes Educators Association of Taiwan conducted an online questionnaire survey in June of this year, receiving 485 responses, with 479 valid samples. Diabetes patients constituted the largest group at 57.2%, with over 60% being female. 99% expressed a desire for advice on diabetes dietary choices.

Dr. Li Chun-chuan, Secretary-General of the Diabetes Educators Association of Taiwan, presented the findings, stating that the survey revealed minimal differences in vegetable intake between diabetes patients and the general public. However, fruit intake differed by over 30%, indicating that patients genuinely fear "sweet-tasting fruits" rather than an overall insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables. Over 70% of patients consume fruits less than 3 days a week, with an average daily intake of only 0.4 servings.

In fact, the latest 2026 edition of the "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) continues to recommend that diabetes patients replace fruit juice with "whole fresh fruits," encouraging the consumption of whole fruits rich in dietary fiber and nutrient density, rather than completely avoiding fruits.

Nutritionist He Ming-hua stated that recent research shows that consuming 2 servings of fruit daily, choosing low-GI, high-fiber fruits like cherry tomatoes, whether after breakfast or half an hour before a meal, helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce complications. If equivalent calorie intake of carbohydrates is reduced simultaneously, some studies have found it can lower post-meal blood sugar peaks. Long-term maintenance of adequate fruit intake also helps improve insulin sensitivity.

Experts remind that diabetes dietary management should not be based on fear but on correct concepts. Choosing whole fruits, controlling portions, combining with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can achieve both blood sugar control and nutritional balance, reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150701

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