Berries in type 1 and type 2 diabetes: which can and which cannot be consumed?

Diabetes is a serious disease that leaves its mark on the patient's diet. Now, before eating something tasty and healthy, a person must pay attention to the glycemic index of the product. This is especially true for fruits and berries, the taste of which already indicates that they contain sugar. So maybe berries only cause harm to people with diabetes, and therefore they should not be consumed?

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Diabetes and the gifts of nature

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body's metabolism of carbohydrates, which are considered the main source of energy for adults and children, is disrupted. We are talking mainly about simple carbohydrates, the main one of which is sugar, because it is these carbohydrates that contribute to a rapid increase in blood glucose. Due to metabolic disorders, glucose begins to pose a danger to human life, because its high level creates a burden on various organs, and in particular on the pancreas, which leads to failures in their work and can cause the development of glycemic coma.

When a healthy and active person consumes carbohydrate food, it is beneficial for him, giving him energy for life and activity. When simple (fast) carbohydrates enter the body, they cause a jump in the blood glucose level. But the pancreas strictly controls this moment and in response begins to actively produce insulin, which is involved in the metabolism of sugars, converting sugar into glucose and ensuring its interaction with the body's tissues. If insulin is not produced enough, some of the glucose does not turn into energy necessary for human life, but accumulates in the blood. In this case, doctors diagnose diabetes mellitus type 1 (insulin-dependent, requiring insulin injections) or 2 (insulin-independent, in which taking hypoglycemic agents and diet is sufficient) type.

The higher the blood glucose level, the greater the load on the pancreas, which must compensate for it by producing the appropriate amount of insulin. This is the only way to maintain normal blood levels. But it turns out to be some kind of vicious circle. And no matter how you turn it, the pancreas suffers first and most, and then other organs are pulled in. It turns out that high sugar, if it does not cause coma, then gradually destroys the body.

A person cannot completely refuse to consume carbohydrates, otherwise, where will he get his vital energy? Therefore, the energy basis of the diet of diabetics is complex (slow) carbohydrates, which do not lead to a sharp jump in glucose in the blood, because their digestion requires time and energy. In addition, such a complex carbohydrate as fiber, which requires a lot of energy for digestion, even on the contrary, helps to reduce blood sugar levels, simultaneously improving digestion.

What is the glycemic index (GI), which diabetics are so attached to? This is an indicator that indicates how quickly a carbohydrate is absorbed and the associated increase in blood sugar levels. It is clear that simple carbohydrates, which are not in vain called fast, are absorbed faster than complex ones. And the simpler the structure of this substance, the faster it will end up in the intestines, where it is absorbed into the blood along with other nutrients.

Complex carbohydrates, represented by whole grains, green vegetables, pasta made from durum wheat, legumes and some other products, do not pose a particular danger to patients with diabetes. But simple carbohydrates, which are contained in sugar, honey, sweet drinks, fruit and berry juices, sweet fruits and berries, desserts and sweets, baked goods made from white flour, etc., can sharply increase blood sugar levels, causing dangerous consequences, because the compensatory mechanisms of diabetics are not up to par.

Speaking of simple carbohydrates, we mentioned berries, and in this regard, the question arises: can you eat these aromatic and tasty gifts of nature if you have diabetes? It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally, because berries are different in sugar content. But we can say for sure that you should not completely refuse such a valuable dessert in terms of vitamins and other substances necessary for the body. You will just have to limit the amount of berries consumed somewhat. And this point directly depends on the glycemic index of the product.

The answer to the question of what berries can be eaten with diabetes type 1 and 2 is: almost any, but in limited quantities. For example, berries with a glycemic index of 20 to 50 (and preferably up to 40) are recommended to be consumed no more than 200 g per day. Such berries include those popular on our table: red and black currants, strawberries and raspberries, the GI of which is 30, gooseberries, blueberries, blueberries, juniper berries (GI is approximately 40). Cranberries have a slightly higher glycemic index: fresh fruits have a GI of 45, juice from them - 50.

The lowest hypoglycemic index is found in black currant, viburnum, cherry and sweet cherry, hawthorn (the glycemic index of these berries is in the range of 15-25 units), which makes them practically safe for diabetes. Next come blackberries, lingonberries, strawberries, the index of which fluctuates within 25-30 units.

It is important to understand that GI is an ambiguous concept, because berries with the same name may differ in varieties, and different varieties may have different sugar content. The degree of ripeness of the berry, as well as the methods of cooking, also play an important role.

For example, different varieties of grapes can have a GI of 40-45 units, and the riper the berry, the higher the index. But the glycemic index of sweet varieties can reach 50-60 units (raisins have an even higher index - 65). You can eat such grapes and other berries, the GI of which is within 50-70 units, a couple of times a week. In this case, the daily portion will have to be reduced to 100 g.

But grapes are a fairly high-calorie product, and with type 2 diabetes, calories are strictly accounted for due to the fight against excess weight. Including grapes in the diet, even 1-2 times a week, you need to reduce the consumption of other high-calorie products on these days so that the total calorie content of the daily menu does not exceed 1200-1500 kcal.

Mulberries are also characterized by a fairly wide glycemic index range (depending on the variety and ripeness). Usually, the GI of mulberries fluctuates between 24-32 units, but some varieties, if sufficiently ripe, can show a GI even slightly higher than 50. You should not refuse such a valuable berry, the benefits of which we will discuss below. You just need to choose less sweet varieties and not overripe berries or limit your consumption of mulberries to 150 g per day.

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Benefits of berries for diabetes

As we can see, most berries have a relatively low glycemic index and can be included in the diet of patients with diabetes in small quantities. Especially when it comes to type 1 pathology, whose blood sugar is regulated by a dose of insulin, and the caloric content of products does not play a big role. With type 2 diabetes, it is necessary to take into account not only the GI, but also the caloric content of the product, which corresponds to the low-calorie diet prescribed to such patients. But berries usually have a low caloric content (with the exception of grapes), so they are allowed for diabetes of any type.

And yet, despite the fact that there is no strict ban on eating berries for diabetes, some patients are afraid to include such useful gifts of nature in their menu. Let's talk about what they refuse, and whether it is worth so strictly limiting yourself from products that bring benefits.

It is no secret that berries are not just a tasty and aromatic food product that improves mood and gives pleasure, but also a rich source of nutrients for the body. Any chronic disease, and diabetes is exactly that, exhausts a person, depleting his strength. And such products as fruits and berries for diabetes will be just the source of energy and strength that patients lack.

Moreover, different berries not only have different vitamin and mineral compositions, but also affect the body in their own way. Many of them, having a low hypoglycemic index and high fiber content, even help to reduce blood sugar, which is what patients strive to achieve by taking hypoglycemic drugs. It turns out that berries, along with a low-calorie diet, can even help reduce the dose of such drugs.

We will not bore the reader with general phrases, but will talk about the benefits that different berries can bring to patients.

Currants are considered one of the safest berries for diabetes, because the GI of black currants does not exceed 15 units, and red and white - 25, which is considered a low indicator, safe in terms of increasing blood sugar levels. Moreover, currants (especially black) are considered the leader in vitamin C content, which is simply necessary for patients with diabetes, whose metabolism is slower than that of healthy people.

Ascorbic acid (as vitamin C is called in medical reference books) takes part in oxidation-reduction reactions occurring in our body and is able to speed up metabolism. Thanks to it, blood vessels become stronger and more elastic, and the immune system works at full capacity. This is very important for diabetes, because this disease often goes hand in hand with vascular atherosclerosis, due to which the lumen of the vessels narrows due to cholesterol deposited on the walls, and the membranes of the veins and arteries themselves become less elastic and brittle. And this pathology strikes the immune system mercilessly, as a result of which diabetics easily catch various infections.

Vitamin C is also useful as a wound-healing agent. High blood sugar levels cause the walls of small capillaries to weaken, which burst, forming wounds that take a long time to heal. Low immunity is unable to resist infections, which only worsens the wound process, leading to the formation of pus. Ascorbic acid will help combat this situation by increasing immunity, improving the condition of blood vessels and blood circulation, and stimulating regenerative processes in tissues.

But blackcurrant is not only vitamin C. In terms of the content of various vitamins and microelements, it is close to pharmacy vitamin-mineral complexes. In its composition we find vitamins A, C, E, P, K, group B, organic acids, essential oils, tannins, phytoncides, which are natural antibiotics.

Vitamin A promotes tissue renewal, prevents the development of pathological processes in the skin and muscles, maintains normal vision, which deteriorates with diabetes, and has a positive effect on immunity. Vitamin P has a strengthening effect on the walls of blood vessels. Vitamin E, along with vitamins A and C, is considered an antioxidant that can slow the progression of the disease. Vitamin K is involved in the synthesis of proteins, which are the main building material of cells, and therefore promotes their renewal and tissue regeneration.

The B vitamins contained in currants take an active part in energy metabolism, stimulate hormone synthesis, combat cholesterol levels, and have a positive effect on the condition and functionality of the nervous system. The latter is very important in terms of preventing polyneuropathies, which are considered a fairly common complication of diabetes.

The mineral composition of black currant is represented by:

• sodium (maintains acid-base balance, necessary for normal functioning of muscles and the peripheral nervous system),
• potassium (a mineral that improves heart function and normalizes blood pressure, which can increase with diabetes due to vascular problems),
• calcium (frequent urination, typical for diabetes, causes calcium to be washed out of the body, which negatively affects the condition of bones, joints, teeth, nails, hair, so diabetics need additional sources of this microelement),
• phosphorus (like calcium, it is necessary for the normal functioning of the joints, the condition of which patients complain about),
• iron (a quarter of patients with diabetes suffer from iron deficiency anemia caused by kidney damage, bleeding from damaged vessels, and the destruction of red blood cells, so the need to replenish iron stores is not even discussed),
• magnesium (actively participates in metabolic processes).

Is it really necessary to give up such a healthy, aromatic and tasty berry, especially since the sugar in it is mainly in the form of fructose, which does not lead to a sharp increase in blood glucose levels, and the high fiber content slows down this process (if you eat the berries, and not the juice from them).

Red currant and its white relative cannot boast such a high level of ascorbic acid, but in terms of iron and potassium content they are in no way inferior to black berries. The glycemic index of red and white currants is about 25 units, which allows you to eat these berries daily (100-200 g per day).

In addition to fresh berries, diabetics can consume currant compotes, drink freshly squeezed juice, and make jelly (without adding sugar). Tasty and healthy drinks can be obtained by brewing currant shoots in combination with raspberry or blueberry leaves and twigs, rose hips, and hawthorn.

Blueberries are considered no less useful for diabetes. This plant is the leader among berries and fruits in terms of vitamin A content, which prevents the development of diabetic retinopathy, i.e. vision disorders caused by improper and slow metabolism.

The dark blue berry, in addition to retinoids, contains vitamins C, group B, and nicotinic acid (vitamin PP). The latter activates carbohydrate metabolism, protects the pancreas from overload, increasing the sensitivity of tissue receptors to insulin. In addition to organic acids, iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, characteristic of currants, blueberries also contain copper, which improves tissue respiration, hemoglobin synthesis, activates the action of insulin, which allows insulin-dependent patients to reduce the dosage of the regularly administered hormone.

It should be said that for diabetes, both berries and blueberry shoots are considered equally useful. But since the glycemic index of berries is quite high (about 40-42 units), they can be consumed no more than 100-150 g per day. But the shoots and leaves of the plant contain much less carbohydrates, and also help to reduce blood sugar levels, which allows them to be used to prepare healthy drinks for diabetics and even added to jam.

So, recipes for healthy jam from blueberries for diabetes, in addition to the berries themselves, contain the leaves of the plant in the company of viburnum leaves. For half a kilo of blueberries, you need to take 30 g of fresh leaves of both plants. First, boil the berries for 2 hours, and then add the leaves to the composition. After 10 minutes, add any permitted sugar substitute to the jam, as well as aromatic additives to taste (vanillin and cinnamon are permitted).

Due to the fact that blueberries have a fairly high GI, and when boiled it can even increase, nutritionists recommend consuming jam no more than 2-3 teaspoons per day, diluting it with water or drinking unsweetened tea. Such a dessert will give diabetics real pleasure, without causing a sharp increase in blood sugar levels and helping to prevent unpleasant consequences of the disease.

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Overseas guests in the treatment of diabetes

So far we have talked mainly about the berries that our homeland can boast of. We pick such delicacies in season in our gardens and summer cottages, and buy them at markets from domestic producers. Many of the local berries are not only a valuable food product, but also a kind of medicine that helps reduce blood sugar levels. This makes it possible to reduce the dosage of sugar-lowering drugs and insulin.

But not only popular domestic berries can be useful for diabetes. Now on the Internet and in specialized pharmacies you can buy some exotic berries for our people, which, nevertheless, help to effectively fight excess weight and various diseases, including diabetes. Moreover, in their homeland, the fruits are equated in the effect they provide to drugs and are widely used in the practice of alternative medicine doctors.

Mahonia berries are also used as a natural remedy for diabetes. A tall ornamental shrub with round blue fruits can be found in the vast expanses of North America, Europe, and central Russia. In Ukraine, this plant, used to decorate streets and treat people with skin and digestive system diseases, is not so common.

Mahonia aquifolium is sometimes called Oregon grape or American barberry. This is another plant whose fruits are famous for their high content of ascorbic acid and many other useful substances that help fight age-related diseases, bacterial and viral infections, strengthen the immune system, heart and blood vessels.

Not only the fruits, but even the bark and roots of the plant have healing properties, the extract of which is actively used to treat diseases of the digestive system: gall bladder, intestines, liver, etc. Homeopaths use an extract from the bark of mahonia in the treatment of psoriasis, and an infusion of flowers is used to treat gout.

The sweet and sour aromatic berries of mahonia are widely used in cooking. But in folk medicine they are accepted to use as a medicine for herpes, eczema, gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes. Australian scientists have found that eating mahonia berries allows to significantly reduce high blood sugar and fight excess weight. It is believed that the fruits of the plant help even with severe forms of diabetes.

The berries' beneficial blood sugar-lowering effect in diabetes is due to the alkaloid berberine, which also reduces cholesterol levels and increases insulin activity.

Mahonia berries, which taste like barberry, can be eaten fresh, used to make desserts, compotes, jelly, or added to porridge. Those with a sweet tooth can be offered to make jam from the berries, adding sorbitol instead of sugar. It is better to cook jam from mahonia in several stages with large intervals for infusion.

What berries are not allowed for diabetics?

This is an even more controversial issue than the permitted products. Many endocrinologists and nutritionists categorically do not recommend eating berries with a glycemic index of over 70, because they can provoke a sharp increase in blood sugar and a coma. Fortunately, very few berries fall into this category.

In our region, this is the largest berry, which many consider a vegetable. We are talking about a juicy and ripe watermelon, which children and adults simply adore. Will diabetics really have to give up such a pleasure?

If you look into it, the sugar in watermelon is represented by fructose, which is not prohibited for diabetics, because when assimilating fruit sugar, insulin costs are minimal. However, the upper limit of the norm for such patients is considered to be 50 g per day, which corresponds to 200-300 g of watermelon. In addition, the plant fibers in the huge berry prevent the rapid absorption of sugars.

Therefore, despite the high GI, you should not deny yourself a piece of the berry that takes us back to the happy times of childhood. Just when buying a watermelon, you need to give preference to its early varieties or unripe specimens that have not absorbed enough sugar. The GI of such watermelons will probably be less than 70.

As for the methods of cooking berries, the greatest danger for diabetics is candied fruits, jam, marmalade from berries and fruits. It is not advisable to include dried fruits in your diet (in this case, raisins), which have a higher GI and caloric content. It is safest to eat berries fresh (but raw jam with sugar is taboo) or cook compotes from them.

Another popular berry that we have not mentioned is rose hips, the glycemic index of which (about 25 units) allows its use in diabetes of any type. But few people eat it raw, especially in large quantities, and the GI of healthy rose hip decoctions and compotes is generally minimal. This only speaks in favor of using such a product and drinks based on it in diabetes.

Contraindications for use

Both our native and imported berries can have both a general strengthening and healing effect on diabetes. This once again proves that patients should not refuse such a delicacy. By following the recommended dosages, a person with diabetes can diversify their diet, replenish it with useful substances and help their body fight the disease. But it is important to remember that not only medications and herbs can have contraindications for use. Berries can also cause certain harm in some diseases and conditions of the body, and this is important to consider when making a diet or using fruits for medicinal purposes.

Above we considered what benefits various berries can bring to diabetes, now let's pay attention to the cases in which treatment with berries can harm the patient's body. We will consider this issue in relation to certain types of berries, because the chemical composition of the fruits can differ in both quality and quantity, which can play a role in various concomitant diseases. But diabetes has a destructive effect on various organs and systems, so it is not surprising if a person with high blood sugar levels has a whole bunch of pathologies.

Black, white and red currants. This berry is undoubtedly beneficial for diabetics, but in the presence of such a pathology as thrombophlebitis, eating berries can only harm. Due to the high content of phenolic compounds and vitamin K, it can increase blood clotting, which is dangerous if you are prone to thrombosis.

Currants, like many other berries, contain organic acids (high ascorbic acid content), which in turn have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, a certain amount of caution is required if, in addition to diabetes, a person has increased acidity of gastric juice and gastritis developed on this basis, as well as gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer (especially in the acute stage). Recipes from leaves and shoots of the plant in this case do not pose a danger.

Despite the fact that the berry has a positive effect on the liver, it should not be consumed in case of inflammation of the organ (hepatitis).

Pregnant women and small children will have to limit their consumption of blackcurrants even more, as they can cause allergic reactions. Red and white berries rarely cause allergic reactions.

Blueberries. This is a fairly sweet berry that does not have a noticeable irritating effect on the gastric mucosa, so it is not forbidden to eat blueberries if you have gastritis, stomach ulcers and other diseases of this organ. But if gastrointestinal diseases are exacerbated, it is better to resort to non-concentrated teas from the leaves and shoots of the plant.

True, in case of inflammation of the pancreas and severe impairment of its functionality, the use of blueberries is considered undesirable due to the high content of biologically active substances. This mainly concerns the acute stage of the disease, and during remission, you can enjoy a small amount of the berry, which is so useful for diabetes, in its fresh form.

Blueberries can also be harmful in cases of urolithiasis, if oxalate stones (oxalic acid salts) form in the bladder, and in cases of allergic reactions to individual components of the berry. But in cases of intestinal disorders (constipation and diarrhea), the fruits will come in handy.

Limiting the amount of berries consumed is important during pregnancy and childhood, which is again due to the rich chemical composition of the plant.

Berries of Mahonia aquifolium. These berries, actively used in the production of confectionery, are generally safe. They rarely cause allergic reactions, but in case of individual intolerance to the components of the plant, it is better to refrain from its use. The same can be advised to women in an interesting position and nursing mothers.

An absolute contraindication for the use of any berries and their compositions, as well as leaves, shoots and other parts of plants, is hypersensitivity to substances contained in each specific plant. The fact is that intolerance reactions are not always limited to abdominal discomfort and skin rashes, they can have a severe course, life-threatening.

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Possible complications and side effects

It would seem, can such tasty and healthy gifts of nature as berries really be harmful to a person, especially if we are talking about edible fruits that we eat regularly from year to year. If we are talking about including berries in the diet taking into account contraindications to their use, then if you observe the measure in the amount of food eaten, there is nothing to be afraid of. But the abuse of berries, especially with diabetes, is fraught with the appearance of unpleasant symptoms and all sorts of complications.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the patient is required to constantly monitor the blood sugar level throughout life. The patient's entire diet is tied to this indicator, and to prevent it from increasing, the diet must be low in carbohydrates.

The low carbohydrate content of berries does not mean that they are completely safe for diabetics. After all, the amount of carbohydrates entering the body depends on the weight of the product eaten. Limiting the daily dose of berries for diabetes is not accidental, because 100-200 g of berries is the norm, which is not able to negatively affect blood sugar, but exceeding the permissible norm will affect glucose levels and worsen the patient's condition.

It is better to diversify your diet whenever possible, including different types and varieties of berries, than to eat the same fruits for a long time. The fact is that berries differ in the content of various nutrients, and regular consumption of the same type of berries can lead to an overdose of individual components. And doctors consider both a deficiency of vitamins and microelements and their excess to be dangerous to health.

A varied diet helps to balance the content of nutrients entering the body, which helps to make the patient's diet balanced.

It must be said that the use of berries for various diseases is a special science, because it is necessary to take into account many nuances: the recommended time for eating fruits, safe combinations, the effect of different recipes on various organs, the content of potentially dangerous substances.

For example, cherries and cherries contain a component that is converted into hydrocyanic acid in the human body, which in certain quantities can cause severe poisoning. 1 glass of berries a day will not cause harm, but eating kilograms of fruit is dangerous even for healthy people.

Strawberry juice can have a negative effect on the condition of joints and increase pain in gout and arthritis, so patients with such problems are better off choosing other berries.

Hawthorn berries should not be washed down with cold water, as this often leads to intestinal spasms. By the way, this rule also applies to other berries.

Lingonberry requires taking into account the time of intake and its correlation with food intake. Eating lingonberry after a meal can provoke intestinal upset (diarrhea).

Rosehip is a plant that our teeth don't like, because it has a destructive effect on them. It's not for nothing that doctors recommend always rinsing your mouth with clean water after eating berries or strong infusions.

Gooseberries have the ability to loosen stools and increase gas formation, so eating large amounts of berries can cause diarrhea and bloating.

The same can be said about blueberries, which are allowed for consumption in diabetes. If you eat a lot of them, you can not only increase your blood sugar, but also get a kind of intoxication with substances contained in the berry in large quantities. Symptoms of an overdose will be nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches and increased fatigue, decreased muscle tone.

Nausea and diarrhea are also complaints from those who have tried Mahonia berries as a treatment.

Goji berries, which saturate the body with energy, are not recommended to be consumed before bedtime, because this may cause problems with falling asleep. If you eat the product in the morning, such difficulties can be avoided.

For some people, eating dried berries (and it is not recommended to eat them fresh) can provoke abdominal pain. In this case, doctors recommend switching to juice, which can also be purchased online or in specialized herbal pharmacies.

Dogwood berries can provoke such unpleasant symptoms as flatulence and constipation, and eating them in the evening can leave you sleepless until the morning.

Most berries are characterized by a high content of organic acids, which, like any other acid, can destroy tooth enamel. In diabetes, due to metabolic disorders and a large loss of minerals, teeth are not particularly strong and tend to deteriorate quickly, and if they are regularly exposed to acid, they can be completely lost. To avoid tooth decay after eating berries, you should always rinse your mouth with clean water.

Berries that can lower blood pressure should be consumed with caution by those whose blood pressure is low or within normal limits. Regular consumption of such berries can lead to a drop in blood pressure, weakness, nausea, rapid fatigue, and shortness of breath.

You shouldn't overuse sour berries either. Even in people with normal stomach acidity, they can cause heartburn and mild abdominal pain.

Any fresh berries are recommended to be consumed outside of meals, but not on an empty stomach. Combining berries with other products can slow down their digestibility and cause fermentation processes in the intestines.

Since many berries have the ability to affect blood glucose levels and blood pressure in diabetes, the possibility of combining their use with medications should be agreed with a doctor. In this case, the dosage of antihypertensive and sugar-lowering drugs can be reduced, and in some cases they can be abandoned altogether.

Reviews

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that imposes serious restrictions on the patient's diet. But since it is associated with a metabolic disorder, the body constantly experiences a kind of hunger. Some nutrients are poorly absorbed, others are prematurely eliminated from the body, which means that the reserves of useful substances need to be replenished regularly.

This can be done in two ways: by taking vitamin and mineral complexes or by including in the diet foods with a rich chemical composition, which will have a healing effect on diabetes and even help reduce blood glucose levels. It must be said that vitamin preparations are quite expensive these days, and taking them does not in any way affect the desire to eat something sweet and safe.

The restriction of carbohydrate consumption, among which fruits and vegetables are not the last, according to the patients themselves, is not easy to bear. Sugar deficiency provokes constant weakness and drowsiness. At the same time, patients are constantly tormented by a feeling of hunger, which appears a little while after eating and especially in the morning.

A person with diabetes is forced to limit themselves in eating their favorite sweet desserts, and for many this is no less painful than constant hunger. Berries, however, can serve as a safe and very healthy dessert for this disease, which also helps regulate the glucose content in the blood, which provokes complications of the disease. Moreover, they can be used for a snack, allowing you to overcome the approaching feeling of hunger.

Different berries can have different effects on the patient's body, and glucose levels at different stages of the disease are different. If at low levels, it is possible to maintain glucose levels within the norm even with the help of currants, strawberries, raspberries and other local berries. Then at more serious hyperglycemia levels, people seek help from goji berries, mahonia, and velvet tree, whose sugar-lowering effect is more pronounced.

Whatever the benefits of berries for diabetes, their use is not a good reason to refuse to take sugar-lowering drugs if the attending physician insists on it. Many berries can enhance the effect of such drugs, as evidenced by numerous reviews on the Internet, and this allows you to reduce the dose of such drugs. But you can refuse to take them only if the endocrinologist (and glucometer) agree with such a decision. Otherwise, you can provoke various dangerous complications of diabetes and shorten your life.

Berries do not always bring relief for type 1 diabetes. In severe cases of severe damage to the pancreas, when insulin production is extremely low, no stimulation will help and will not make the diseased organ work much more actively. Relief will only come from those fruits that increase tissue sensitivity to insulin, or contain components that have an insulin-like effect (i.e., are able to break down glucose), which makes it possible to reduce the dose of administered drugs. However, any berries will help the body maintain the necessary balance of vitamins and minerals to maintain normal well-being. This will make it possible to resist the disease and live on, no matter what.