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Raspberries for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Alexey Kryvenko, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

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Among the many types of berries, raspberries are especially popular not only thanks to excellent taste, but also undoubted benefits. And given its low glycemic index, raspberries for diabetes are very suitable for a diet aimed at stabilizing blood sugar.

The latest statistics show that 30.3 million people or 9.3% of the US population suffer from diabetes. In addition, 347 million people in the world currently suffer from diabetes, and, according to forecasts, by 2030 it will become the seventh most important cause of death. [1]

The profile of the nutrients of red raspberries and their polyphenol components (that is, anthocyanins and ellagitanins / metabolites) makes them candidates for regular inclusion in the diets aimed at reducing the risk of diabetes. [2]

The benefits and harm of raspberries in diabetes

It is not in vain that ordinary red raspberries are considered rather watery berry, since in 100 g of fresh berries the water content reaches almost 86 g, and the amount of fiber is 6.5 g. It is clear that the calorie content is low: 100 g - 52 kcal, which is fifty lower than that amount of white bread, and one and a half times less than boiled potatoes.

Most of all in these berries of potassium (152 mg/100 g), then phosphorus (29 mg), calcium (25 mg) and magnesium (22 mg) go. The content of iron in 100 g does not exceed 0.7 mg; Almost the same manganese and a little less zinc. There is copper (0.09 mg/100g) and selenium (0.2 μg/100g). Among vitamins in the first places, ascorbic acid (26.2 g/100 g) and vitamin B4 or choline (12.3 mg/100 g). If vitamin C protects the pancreatic cells from oxidative stress, then vitamin B4 not only takes part in the metabolism of carbohydrates, but also improves the condition of the pancreatic β-cells producing insulin. [3]

There are also vitamins such as alpha-tocopherol, niacin, pantoten and folic acids, pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, carotene (provitamin a) and vitamin K.

But in order for a positive answer to the question of whether raspberries in diabetes can be eaten as possible and did not cause doubt, the amount of sugar should be specified.

When nutritionists recommend raspberries as healthy food for patients with type 1, 2 diabetes and at gestational diabetes, they are guided by the fact that the glycemic index of this berry is low (25), and that 100 g of berries contain only 4.4 g of sugars. Moreover, 53% (2.34 g) falls on fructose, in the assimilation of which insulin does not participate; 42% (1.86 g) - glucose (dextrose) and the rest - sucrose.

For comparison: in the same amount of strawberries or watermelon of sugar about 6 g (at the same time in the watermelon 72% in the form of fructose, and in strawberries 42%); Persian - 8.6 g (fructose 65%); Apricot - 9.3 g (7.6% fructose); orange - 9.4 g (27% fructose); blueberries - 7.3 g (49% fructose); Dark grapes - 18.1 g (42%).

Obviously, these data allow you to give the correct answer to the question whether raspberries are raised sugar? Compared to other carbohydrate products, raspberries are much less likely to cause an increase in blood sugar. Moreover, studies have shown that the use of these berries with patients with type 2 diabetes helps to reduce glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C) in the blood and improve insulin sensitivity. As is supposed to be the result of the effects of flavon derivatives of raspberries - anthocyans (in particular, cyanidine), which are also contained in blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries and dark grapes.

And now a little about other biologically active components that determine the benefits of raspberries in diabetes. The presence of plant polyphenols, tannins, hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids and other compounds are valuable in its composition. Red raspberries have a unique polyphenol profile, which is characterized primarily by the content of anthocyans and ellagitanins. Anthocyans are flavonoid compounds and have the main skeleton C6-C3-C6. They are responsible for the bright red color of red raspberries. Cyanidine-3-sophoroside, cyanidine-3, 5-diglucoside, cyanidine-3- (2 g-glucosylrutinoside), cyanidine-3-glucoside, cyanidine-3-rutinoside, Pelargonidine-3-Sophoroside, Pelargonidine-3-- (2 G-glucosylrutinoside), pelargonidine-3-glucoside and pelargonidine-3-rutinoside are the main anthocyanins in Red Raspberry. [4]

Thus, the study of the potential therapeutic capabilities of phytoestrogens-antioxidant of the genestine (4.5.7-thydroxoflavon), which is also in raspberries, revealed the ability of this compound not only to reduce the formation of fat cells, but also to inhibit the transfer of glucose by membrane transporters (GLUT). Also, experiments demonstrated the positive effect of genillary on the condition of the pancreatic β-cells, which contributes to a decrease in hyperglycemia.

The alleged mechanism for reducing postprandial glucose lies in limiting the absorption of glucose by inhibiting the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Red raspberries extracts in comparison with other berry extracts were the most effective in inhibiting α-amylase. [5]

Another phenolic antioxidant contains raspberries, and this is resveratrol (everyone knows that there are many dark varieties in grapes), which showed not only its anti-inflammatory activity, but also the ability to reduce blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin in blood diabetes of type 2 type.

Finally, raspberry contains tiliroside - a glycoside flavonoid, which, according to preliminary studies, can help with obesity diabetics, increasing the activity of adiponectin fatty cells and normalizing glucose, insulin and lipids in the blood.

Studies on diabetic animals of models confirm in vitro data, which showed that the 5-week use of cyanidine-3-glucoside (0.2% of the diet) reduced the level of glucose on an empty stomach and improved sensitivity to insulin, measured with insulin or glucose. Tale for tolerance compared to control groups. [6] The effects of metabolic indicators were accompanied by a decrease in the expression of genes of inflammatory cytokines in white adipose tissue and an increased level of glucose 4, but not adippinectin. [7]

Research data indicate that the components of red raspberries have biological activity, which may be clinical for the prevention or treatment of diabetes. Studies in vitro and on animals in vivo demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and sensitizing effect on insulin in tissues, especially in adipose tissue. These effects led to a decrease in glycemia and glycated proteins. [8] The strengthening of insulin secretion with pancreatic β-cells is another important mechanism for controlling the level of glucose and slowing down the progression of the disease.

The harm of raspberries in diabetes can be in the presence of allergies or violation of uric acid metabolism - with the deposition of its salts (urates) near the joints and gout.

It is not recommended to eat raspberries for chronic renal failure, as well as during periods of exacerbation of inflammatory diseases of the stomach and patients with aspirin bronchial asthma (since the berries contain salicylic acid - 5 mg/100 g).

Experts warn that raspberries containing substances of a class of phytoestrogens are contraindicated in endometriosis or uterine myoma, as well as for cancer, hormone-sensitive organs: mammary glands, uterus, ovaries.

About what berries are useful in diabetes of type 1, 2, more details in the publication-Berries for diabetes of type 1 and 2: which ones can not be used?

If you do not know how to replace raspberries with diabetes, read:

Raspberry leaves for diabetes

Rubus IDAEUS leaves are universally used as a medical agent for centuries: with colds and fever, heart problems and high pressure, intestinal disorders, anemia, menorrhagia, morning ailments during pregnancy and to relieve birth and reduce postpartum bleeding.

The leaves of raspberries contain tanins (derivatives of ellagic acid) and flavonoids. The number of which is higher than in berries. Also, the composition contains organic carbon, phenolic and hydroxybenzoic acids; Terphenoids, glycosides, etc.

The raspberry sheet refers to pharmacopeous plants, the study proven the ego safety [9] and many endocrinologists advise their patients to use raspberry leaves in type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes [10]-to reduce hypeglikemia and resistance to insulin-in the form of herbal decoctions, infusion or tea.