Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a life long disease with no cure. But one can keep the disease in check by diet, medicines, and exercise. Diabetics can have all foods but they should limit foods that have high glycemic index. A new study has shown promising results in diabetics of intake of 10 grams of freeze dried mango daily.
Diabetics and foods
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a condition of deranged glucose metabolism. In this, the body is unable to handle the glucose load giving rise to high blood sugar spikes. There is insulin under production or insulin resistance that causes these effects on blood sugar. The hormone insulin pushes glucose into the cells. When it is functionally less efficient, the blood glucose is more than the normal range.
How diabetes affects the body? (Source: BBC Fly)However, the high blood sugar is detrimental for the body. It can cause repeated infections, lead to blood vessels narrowing and heart problems and cause leg gangrene. Additionally, the kidneys also get affected and there is kidney dysfunction and failure. Moreover, there is a link between obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes.
Diabetics can take all foods but certain foods require limitation in intake. These include sugars, simple starches etc.
Freeze dried mango
Mangoes are good sources of nutrients but they can raise blood sugar in larger amounts. A new study article that the journal British Journal of Nutrition carried showed that freeze dried mango 10 grams daily can significantly lower blood sugar levels.
Balanced diabetic diet (Source: Diabetes UK)In this study, participants were divided into treatment and control group. The treatment group received 10 grams of freeze dried mango daily. This is equivalent to half of an average size mango of 100 grams.
Those who got the freeze fried mango had lesser blood sugar levels. There was no effect on body mass of these people. The results are promising. One of the authors, Edralin Lucas said:
“We are excited about these promising findings for mangos, which contain many bioactive compounds, including mangiferin, an antioxidant that may contribute to the beneficial effects of mango on blood glucose.”
“In addition, mangos contain fibre, which can help lower glucose absorption into the bloodstream.”
He added:
“Our results indicate that daily consumption of 10 grams of freeze-dried mango, which is equivalent to about one-half of a fresh mango (about 100 grams), may help lower blood sugar in obese individuals.”
The plus and minus of the study
Elaborating further on the limitation of the study, Edralin said:
“We believe this research suggests that mangos may give obese individuals a dietary option in helping them maintain or lower their blood sugar.”
“However, the precise component and mechanism has yet to be found and further clinical trials are necessary, particularly in those that have problems with sugar control, such as diabetics, are necessary.”
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Balanced diabetic diet (Source: Diabetes UK)There is a potential benefit of these mangoes in diabetes. But more studies are essential before one can advise patients to start having them. Currently a healthy balanced diet with prescribed medicines and recommended exercises are best to manage diabetics. Avoid sugary starchy foods with saturated fats. Have wholesome and balanced foods.