Fruits In Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

Fruits are an affordable and attractive food at any time of the year, especially in summer and autumn, when shops and markets are crowded with fresh ones. Of course, we know that they are useful, but ... There is always a "but" ... When we talk about diabetes , far from all fruits can be included in the menu of those suffering from high blood sugar levels, because the content of Carbohydrates in some of them is high.

Carbohydrates and diabetes

Proper diet plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes. The diet is governed by certain rules concerning the frequency of consumption, the caloric content of products and dishes, as well as the composition of the menu.

The diet of people with high blood sugar should consist of 15-20% protein, up to 30% fat and 50-60% carbohydrates. The glycemic index (GI) is extremely important in this disease. It shows how quickly carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels after eating them. Foods with low GI raise blood sugar slowly and gradually, while those with high GI are metabolized rapidly and lead to a sharp rise in glucose levels. Therefore, the amount of carbohydrates consumed and what exactly they represent play an important role for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The menu should not be boring and monotonous, it is necessary to pay more attention to it.

When we talk about fruit, the main issue to discuss is fructose. It is a natural sugar that is contained in sweet fruits, it is also a substitute for refined sugar in various dishes.

The glycemic index of fructose is only 20. This means that the substance does not contribute to a significant increase in blood glucose levels. A very good result compared to other carbohydrates.

How does the assimilation process work?

Fructose molecules are transported from the small intestine through the portal vein directly to the liver, where they are absorbed by hepatocytes (liver cells) and undergo further metabolic processes. Insulin is not involved in this process.

Because fructose plays an important role in the lives of people with diabetes, it deserves more attention and we will now dedicate it to it.

Fructose and diabetes: friends or enemies?

Until recently, fructose was thought to be the ideal solution for people with diabetes, and they could take it on a daily basis without adversely affecting their health. Also, that it does not cause tooth decay to the same extent as white sugar, but thanks to its low calories, prevents obesity.

However, new data paints the opposite picture. A diet that includes large amounts of fructose increases the risk of obesity and chronic kidney disease, contributes to raising blood pressure.

In recent decades, the use of fructose has increased, as has the number of people suffering from overweight, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease.

Where do such negative effects come from?

If a person consumes too much fructose, it leads to the synthesis of the so-called. fat precursors. The result is an increase in the concentration of triglycerides in the blood, which contributes to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Prolonged use of large amounts of natural sugar can lead to changes in the lipid profile.

In addition, an excess of fructose in the medical diet can provoke cell resistance to insulin, and as a consequence - type 2 diabetes. Needless to say, such an effect is undesirable for those who already suffer from the problem.

Studies show that the more fructose consumed, the more sensitive the body becomes to its effects. Therefore, obese men and women are more at risk from the side effects of the substance than slender ones.

In addition, doctors are proving that people whose diet includes fructose every day have a significantly higher appetite than those who take glucose. However, it is worth getting out of the "safe" amount and realizing the problems with blood pressure, kidney disease, etc.

So ... Is fructose safe for people with diabetes?

The answer to this question is: in small quantities - yes. In addition, a daily dose of less than 90 grams can even have a positive effect on the health of those suffering from high blood sugar levels.

Feeding people with diabetes is not an easy task. Even if some products and substances, such as the fructose we are talking about, are considered useful, after a while this may not be the case. Therefore, when compiling your menu, one must consult a doctor.

In the second part of the article we will indicate which fruits can be consumed in different forms of diabetes - type 1 and type 2.