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Strawberries in diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2: benefit, harm
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Strawberries are one of the favorite berries of adults and children, so it is so difficult to deny yourself such a delicacy, the aroma of which tempts you to try the berry. Should you deny yourself such a pleasure if you have diabetes? Probably not, because the glycemic index of strawberries rarely exceeds 32, and this is a relatively low figure.
There is no need to worry too much about the permissible amount of strawberries for diabetics, because the caloric content of the berry is low (about 40 kcal per 100 g), as is the carbohydrate content (only 7.5-8 g, while diabetics can consume 50 g per day). It turns out that even 400-500 g of strawberries will not cause harm when limiting carbohydrate foods.
Benefits
But it is not only the enticing aroma and unique taste that attract people to this beautiful and shiny berry. No less attractive is the vitamin and mineral composition. Strawberries are rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, PP and biotin. It is due to the latter that a decrease in blood sugar levels is noted, because the effect of biotin is similar to insulin (it is involved in glucose metabolism). The mineral composition of strawberries is no less useful for diabetes, because we are talking about reserves of potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, supporting the functionality of individual organs and the body as a whole.
Although strawberries have a sweetish taste, which indicates a high carbohydrate content, they are very rich in fiber, which inhibits the absorption of these substances, meaning that their consumption does not cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels. Like hawthorn, strawberries contain choline, which helps control weight in metabolic disorders.
It is better to eat strawberries fresh when you have diabetes, because this way they retain the maximum amount of nutrients. They are an ideal snack (helps avoid hypoglycemia), can be included in light fruit and berry desserts, salads, cocktails, and are great for decorating flour dishes.
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Contraindications
This berry is so popular and loved by many in our region that we do not even think that it may have contraindications for use. However, contraindications to the use of berries for diabetes and not only can be acute conditions associated with diseases of the stomach and intestines (small seeds and acids in the berry will irritate the inflamed walls of the digestive organs), as well as taking antihypertensive drugs (such a combination can negatively affect the functioning of the kidneys).
Patients diagnosed with joint diseases should also be careful when consuming berries, so as not to provoke complications of the pathology.
Strawberries are considered to be quite a strong allergen, so you should include berries in your diet with great caution, especially in childhood. Any skin rashes, sudden runny nose, sneezing or coughing, vomiting attacks, hyperhidrosis, etc. symptoms may indicate strawberry intolerance, which means you should refrain from eating them.
The tonic properties of strawberries can also be dangerous during pregnancy, which is associated with the risk of increased uterine tone and premature birth. This speaks in favor of limiting the intake of berries to a small amount.
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