Fruits Prevent the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes

Eating at least two serves of fruit per day has been linked to 36% lower odds of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is one of the growing public health concerns that affects 451 million worldwide.

Highlights:

One of the rising public health concerns is type 2 diabetes that affects 451 million worldwide, with increased risk among 374 million people
Having at least two serves of fruit per day has been linked to 36% reduced chances of developing type 2 diabetes
Whole fruits have a lower glycemic index that serves in improving blood sugar levels and boosts insulin sensitivity when compared to fruit juice

Consuming at least two serves of fruit daily has been associated with 36% lower probabilities of acquiring type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity, as per a study at the Edith Cowan University (ECU), published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

One of the burgeoning public health concerns is type 2 diabetes with an estimated population of 451 million worldwide and almost 374 million people at an increased risk of developing the disease.

"We found an association between fruit intake and markers of insulin sensitivity, suggesting that people who consumed more fruit had to produce less insulin to lower their blood glucose levels. This is important because high levels of circulating insulin (hyperinsulinemia) can damage blood vessels and are related not only to diabetes, but also to high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. A healthy diet and lifestyle, which includes the consumption of whole fruits, is a great strategy to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes,"says Dr Nicola Bondonno from ECU's Institute for Nutrition Research and lead author of the study.

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‘Type 2 diabetes is one of the growing public health concerns that affects 451 million worldwide. Eating at least two serves of fruit per day has been associated with 36% lower odds of developing type 2 diabetes as whole fruits regulate the blood sugar level with its lower glycemic index.’
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What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is characterized by high blood glucose (blood sugar). Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t sufficiently produce/utilize a hormone made by the pancreas called insulin (which allows glucose from food to get into your body cells for energy).

The glycated haemoglobin (A1C – measures average blood sugar level for the past two to three months) test is a commonly preferred method to diagnose type 2 diabetes. There are many undetected type 2 diabetes cases that expose them to an increased risk for several serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease (which may result in heart attacks and strokes).

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Freshness is the Key

The study team analyzed data from 7,675 Australians participating in the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute's AusDiab Study to evaluate the prevalence of diabetes after five years among those who consumed fruit and fruit juice.

It was seen that people who consumed whole fruit had higher insulin sensitivity and a lower risk of diabetes when compared to those who had fruit juice intake. Thus, the fruit benefits out served that of fruit juice, most probably because fruit juices are much higher in sugar and lower in fiber. However, the author states that the exact reason for higher insulin sensitivity offered by the fruits remains unclear and could be multifaceted.

Since fruits are a storehouse of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals (may increase insulin sensitivity), and fiber along with a lower glycemic index, they serve in controlling the slow release of sugar into the blood and rendering a sense of fullness for a greater time.

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Can people with diabetes eat dry fruits? Eating four dried fruits such as dates, apricots, raisins, and sultanas can be good for diabetics, as they contain a lower glycemic index (GI) than white bread.

Health Benefits of Fruits

Fruits are deemed as “health promoters” with numerous benefits:

Regulate the functioning of the digestive system and prevent irritable bowel syndrome
Lower the risk of heart disease and stroke
Reduce high blood pressure (hypertension)
Prevent eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration
Protect against various diseases like cancer
Help in losing weight

“Wholemeal bread makes larger feces than refined bread” – Hippocrates. Hence it is urged to combine fruits in the daily plate for a healthy life!

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Managing Type 2 Diabetes

The following methods may aid in managing blood sugar levels and also delay/prevent complications apart from consuming a healthy diet rich in fibers and vegetables

Practice regular exercise and physical activity
Losing weight toils as an additional benefit against type 2 diabetes
Have regular diabetes medication or insulin therapy
Watch your blood sugar periodically
Seek your doctor for any queries

References:

Associations Between Fruit Intake and Risk of Diabetes in the AusDiab Cohort: Nicola P Bondonno et al: https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgab335: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2021.
National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020 - (https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html)
What is Diabetes? - (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes)
Vegetables and Fruits - (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/)
Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649719/)

Source-Medindia