Dates and Blood Sugar: Are Dates Suitable for Diabetics?

This is a sensitive and frequently searched topic, and it deserves a careful answer. Dates contain natural sugars, so people who watch their blood sugar, including many people with diabetes, understandably want to know how dates fit into their diet.

Dates contain natural sugars

The sweetness of a date comes from the fruit itself, not from added sugar. Our dates are 100% fruit with nothing added. That said, natural sugar is still sugar, and portion size and the rest of a meal all play a role.

Why individual advice matters

How any food affects blood sugar varies from person to person and depends on the whole diet, medication and activity. That is why we do not give blood-sugar recommendations here.

The safe next step

If you have diabetes or monitor your blood sugar, please discuss dates with your doctor or a qualified dietitian, who can advise for your individual situation.

Please note: This article is general information, not medical or nutritional advice. Dates are a food, not a treatment. For questions about your own diet, blood sugar, pregnancy or training, please speak to a doctor or a qualified dietitian.