As the footsteps of summer approach, fruits such as grapes enter their harvest season. The variety of fruits available in the market not only provides people with a rich taste experience but also brings numerous health benefits.
However, facing freshly harvested and juicy fruits, many diabetes patients need to be cautious about the risk of raising blood sugar. It raises the curiosity: Are diabetic patients really unable to enjoy these grapes?
In fact, the key lies in how to scientifically and reasonably choose and consume them.
1. Diabetes patients can consider trying three types of fruits
A study published in the “Chinese Journal of Epidemiology” responded to this, indicating that among 19,473 diabetic patients in Jiangsu Province, the risk of poor blood sugar control for those who consumed fresh fruits 1 to 4 times a week and 5 times a week or more reduced by 20% and 30%, respectively.
This finding emphasizes the potential benefits of moderate fruit consumption for blood sugar management, even for diabetic patients.
In the “Chinese Residents’ Dietary Guidelines (2022)” issued by the National Health Commission in 2022, residents are advised to consume 200-350 grams of fresh fruits daily, highlighting the importance of fresh fruits and specifying that fruit juice cannot replace fresh fruits.
Therefore, fruits are not forbidden for diabetes patients, but scientific selection is crucial!
Xiao Yuexing, Chief Physician of the Department of Endocrinology at Guang’anmen Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, stated that diabetic patients can moderately consume fruits based on their preferences and physical condition, with grapefruits and blueberries being preferred choices.
Tasting blueberries in moderation not only provides a fresh enjoyment to the taste buds but also helps enhance insulin sensitivity, increase metabolism rate, which is particularly beneficial for diabetic patients. These small blue gems are rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, protecting the body from oxidative damage.
Pomegranate, a fruit rich in nutritional value, with its crystal-clear seeds resembling pearls, not only has a sweet taste but also contains essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and folic acid.
Regarding the grapes mentioned earlier, can diabetic patients consume them?
In fact, grapes have a GI value of 48, which belongs to low glycemic index foods and does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. Moreover, the blood sugar load of 4.3 per 100 grams of grapes indicates that grapes are low in blood sugar load foods. This characteristic proves that grapes are one of the fruit choices that diabetic patients can enjoy appropriately.
The key is that diabetic patients are advised to determine the consumption amount based on their blood sugar control under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.
2. Peking Union Medical College Hospital found that not eating after noon may improve blood sugar levels
In 2022, a study published in “Nature Communications” attracted widespread attention. This clinical trial led by Professor Mao Yilei and Professor Yang Huayu of Peking Union Medical College Hospital delved into the role of meal timing on the metabolic function of adults.
It is understood that the research team carefully selected 90 healthy volunteers and evenly distributed them into three different mealtime groups.
The first group was the early eating group, with eating strictly limited from 6 AM to 3 PM. The second group was the mid-eating group, with eating from 11 AM to 8 PM, excluding breakfast. The third group was the ad libitum eating group, with no specific time restrictions based mainly on personal habits.
The study results showed that the early eating group had significantly more prominent effects on improving fasting blood sugar, reducing body fat, and enhancing insulin sensitivity than the other two groups.
Finally, it is highlighted that restricting eating time to between 6 AM and 3 PM can maximize the efficacy of improving insulin sensitivity.
3. Four bodily changes indicating a gradual increase in blood sugar
When blood sugar levels exceed the normal range, changes in urine may be subtle early signs of diabetes. Here are some possible urine changes that may not be immediately noticeable:
1. Darkening of urine color
High blood sugar levels may result in more sugar and other substances in the urine, leading to changes in urine color, such as darkening or other abnormal colors.
2. Presence of a “rotten apple” odor
If a patient cannot effectively control blood sugar for a long time and insulin action is severely insufficient, high blood sugar can increase tissue breakdown, producing ketones as metabolic byproducts. When these substances are excreted in the urine, they may produce an odor similar to rotten apples.
3. Persistent foam in urine
Urine usually contains a small amount of foam, which typically dissipates quickly. However, if the composition of the urine is abnormal, foam may increase, and its disappearance may slow down.
4. Viscous urine
When blood sugar levels persistently remain high, the viscosity of urine may increase. This highly viscous urine may leave a sticky residue on the toilet surface when expelled, a phenomenon not uncommon in diabetic patients.
Additionally, viscous urine may also be related to other factors such as urinary system infections or inflammation. Therefore, if this symptom occurs, patients should promptly consult a doctor for a comprehensive evaluation to identify and address issues promptly.
References:
【1】”Peking University Study: Skipping meals after noon is beneficial for metabolism! But there is an important premise”. Life Times. 2022-03-15
【2】”Peking Union Hospital clinical trial confirms that time-restricted eating after noon is more beneficial for metabolic health”. BioWorld. 2022-03-06
[3] “How should fruits be eaten to avoid easy blood sugar increase?”. The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. 2023-06-18
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