Medical expert of the article
New publications
Watermelon with diabetes mellitus
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Given the sweet taste of this largest berry (true, false), the question - you can eat a watermelon for type 1 and type 2 diabetes - suggests itself.
Benefits
Speaking about the benefits of watermelon with diabetes (which is often accompanied by obesity), you could start with a calorie: 100 grams of watermelon give 27.5-30 kcal. Further, it should be noted the presence in it of vitamins and macro- and microelements. Using watermelon, we replenish our stock of beta-carotenes, vitamins C, B1, B2, PP, folic acid, as well as potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and iron.
Watermelon quenches thirst well, since it is 91% water, raises diuresis, which is why it is recommended to clean the kidneys and bladder - for the prevention of nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis. Unquestionably the use of watermelon for digestion and the state of the intestines - thanks to pectins and fiber fibers. And, since pectins contain glucuronic acids, watermelon helps to remove cholesterol (LDL), which, against the background of a lack of insulin production in type 1 diabetes, is formed in significant higher amounts.
In insulin-dependent diabetes, the body loses a lot of fluid, which leads to a violation of electrolyte equilibrium in the cells of tissues. And here the significant content of potassium in a watermelon (64 mg%) is very handy.
Also note the presence in the pulp of the watermelon carotenoid lycopene, giving it a red color. This antioxidant is useful for heart and bone health, skin and eyesight. In addition, a high level of lycopene in watermelons, according to studies, the results of which reported by the American Journal of Hypertension, helps to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients suffering from obesity.
However, it should be remembered that calories of watermelon provide easily assimilated sugars: glucose, fructose and sucrose, which account for 10-11% of weight, of which about 8% is fructose. She is not afraid of diabetes, since she turns into glycogen without the participation of insulin. But if at first in ripe watermelons there is more fructose, then in their storage, sucrose appears, which immediately increases the sugar content in the blood.
Therefore, the answer to the questions - you can eat a watermelon with diabetes and with gestational diabetes (which is typical for the period of pregnancy) - seems obvious.
How much can watermelon in diabetes?
In 100 g of pulp of watermelon contains 6.2 g of sugar. It would seem that quite a bit. But with all the health benefits of watermelon refers to products with a high glycemic index : depending on the degree of ripeness of its GI is 72-92 units.
People with diabetes should eat foods with a low glycemic index, and many diabetics consider the amount of carbohydrates to control the level of glucose in the blood (after all, carbohydrates are known to be converted into glucose).
Absolute contraindications for watermelon in diabetes are absent. According to the experts of the American Diabetes Association, the most acceptable option is the consumption of 45-65 g of carbohydrate food at a time. And if in 150 g of watermelon (pulp) contains 11.5 g of carbohydrates (9.3 g of sugar), then using a watermelon for dessert, you need to limit the amount of carbohydrates to 30-50 g in other foods.
Diabetics should consume foods that contain carbohydrates, just their amount should be limited, with distribution throughout the day - to minimize the leaps in blood glucose levels. It can be two servings of fruit a day (and one of them is watermelon), you just need to keep a balance of the amount of carbohydrates consumed in your menu.
[Possible risks
Despite rave reviews of the dietary superiorities of watermelon, endocrinologists ask patients with diabetes to remember that there are risks when using fruits that raise blood sugar.
And the possible complications after having eaten with pleasure two or three slices of sweet juicy watermelon will not slow down to show itself a rapid increase in the level of glucose in the blood.
And that's not it. The high content of potassium in watermelon flesh in people with severe hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) can cause heart rhythm disturbances and other cardiovascular problems.
By the way, if you do not know, with a lack of insulin, there is also a violation of potassium metabolism, so the risk of hyperkalemia increases.