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Can People with Diabetes Eat Custard Apple?

Writer's picture: Dr. Karuturi SubrahmanyamDr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam

Custard apple is a delicious fruit that has a sweet and creamy flesh. It is also known as sweetsop, annona, or sitaphal in different regions. Custard apple is rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. It has many health benefits, such as boosting immunity, preventing infections, and fighting cancer.


But can people with diabetes eat custard apple? Is it safe and beneficial for them?

The answer is yes, but with some caution and moderation. Custard apple has a low glycemic index (GI) of 54, which means that it does not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels after eating. However, it also has a moderate glycemic load (GL) of 10, which means that eating too much of it may still raise blood sugar levels significantly. Therefore, people with diabetes should limit their intake of custard apple to one or two servings per day and monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.

Custard apple has some advantages for people with diabetes. It contains fiber, which slows down the absorption of sugar and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also has antioxidants, such as polyphenols, that help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Moreover, it has a compound called annonacin, which has anti-diabetic properties. Annonacin can lower blood sugar levels and enhance insulin production in the body.


However, custard apple also has some drawbacks for people with diabetes. It is high in calories and sugar, which can lead to weight gain and obesity if consumed excessively. It can also interact with some diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas and insulin, and cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Furthermore, it may increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy, a kidney disease that affects people with diabetes.


Therefore, people with diabetes should eat custard apple in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. They should also consult their doctor before adding custard apple to their diet, especially if they are taking any diabetes medications. They should also check their blood sugar levels before and after eating custard apple and adjust their dosage accordingly.


Custard apple is a tasty and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed by people with diabetes. However, it should be eaten with caution and moderation, as it can also have some negative effects on blood sugar levels and kidney health. By following these tips, people with diabetes can enjoy custard apple without compromising their health.


Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)

Internal Medicine Specialist


Kify Hospital

Danavaipeta

Rajahmundry

Phone : 85000 23456

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Kify Hospital

Near Nune Ganuga

Danavaipeta​

Rajahmundry - 533103

85000 23456

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