Pear: GI, GL, Carbs & Blood Sugar Impact

Glycemic index of pear (38), glycemic load, carbs per medium pear, and why pears are a lower-GI fruit for people with diabetes.

Category: Fruits · Nutrition data source: USDA FoodData Central · GI source: International Tables of GI & GL Values / University of Sydney · Last verified:
38 Glycemic Index Low
8.2 Estimated GL 1 medium pear (178 g)
27.1 g Carbohydrate per 1 medium pear (178 g)
5.5 g Fiber per 1 medium pear (178 g)

Does Pear Raise Blood Sugar?

A medium pear carries about 27 g of carbohydrate — but 5.5 g of it is fiber, and the published GI is around 38. Pears are among the lower-GI common fruits.

How to Eat It

Whole, skin on (the fiber lives there). A pear with cheese or nuts is a classic low-impact pairing. Watch canned pears in syrup.

Nutrition Facts (Pear)

NutrientPer 100 gPer serving
Calories57 kcal101 kcal
Carbohydrate15.2 g27.1 g
Fiber3.1 g5.5 g
Sugars9.8 g17.4 g
Protein0.4 g0.7 g
Fat0.1 g0.2 g

Source: USDA FoodData Central (generic food item, per 100 g edible portion). Values may differ from brand-specific products.

Glycemic Index

Published GI: 38 (typical value).
Reported range: 33-42.
Evidence level: Moderate.
Note: Fiber-rich; among the lower-GI common fruits.

Sources: International Tables of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Values (2008/2021); University of Sydney GI Database (glycemicindex.com). GI values are reported relative to a glucose reference.

Learn more: What is GI? · What is GL? · GI vs GL

Estimated Glycemic Load

GL ≈ 8.2 per 1 medium pear (178 g).

Calculation: GI (38) × available carbohydrate per serving (21.5 g = 15.2 g − 3.1 g fiber) ÷ 100. Calculated by DMSafeHaven; formula per standard published GL methodology.

Diabetes consideration: Good fiber content and a gentle glycemic response at a typical portion.
What can change the impact?
  • Ripeness
  • Portion size

GI values can vary with variety, ripeness, preparation and testing conditions. The value above is a typical published figure, not a universal prediction for every individual or every serving.

DMSafeHaven provides educational information based on publicly available nutrition databases and published research. It is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Nutrition values: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). GI values: published tables (see methodology). GI/GL estimates do not predict any individual's glucose response — test your own blood glucose with your care team's guidance.