Can eating fruits cause diabetes?

No, eating fruits cannot cause diabetes. However, there are some fruits which are rich in sugars and should be avoided by people who are already diabetic, as eating these fruits increases blood sugar levels and can result in weight gain. Some of the fruits that should be avoided are banana, custard apple, chikoo, sweet melon, grapes as they have a very high level of sugars. Along with these packed fruit juices, sugar or fruit syrups, jams, and jellies must be avoided as they increase blood sugar levels. Some fruits that are very useful in diabetes are jamun, guava, star fruit, pineapple, papaya, oranges, watermelon, and pomegranate. These can be consumed in small proportions of 100-200 gms each day.

How is bitter gourd (karela) juice helpful in diabetes?

Bitter gourd is rich in fiber, has a low glycemic index and has zero cholesterol. It is rich in Vitamin C, folate, Vitamin B complex, potassium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus. All these nutrients are very beneficial for people with diabetes. It also has lectin, which acts on cells and tissues of our body and increases their sugar intake and it also suppresses appetite by acting on the brain. It contains compounds "charantin" and "vicine", which have glucose lowering properties. It also contains polypeptide-p, which has insulin-like properties i.e., it increases glucose absorption by cells of the body and reduces blood glucose levels. These substances, either work individually or together and help reduce blood sugar levels.

Are artificial sweeteners good for people with diabetes?

No, artificial sweeteners are not good for people with diabetes. Artificial sweeteners are composed of chemicals that can cause mild to severe side effects. Since it difficult for people with diabetes to curtail the sweet taste for the rest of their lives, FDA has approved several artificial sweeteners. These artificial sweeteners contain chemical compounds like sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, neotame, and advantame. Thus, it is better to limit the use of artificial sweeteners or avoid using them as much as you can.

Can diabetes be cured?

Diabetes is a condition that causes changes in your blood glucose levels, which if left uncontrolled can lead to serious health complications affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Although there is no cure for diabetes, with simple lifestyle changes and medications, one can manage their condition and lead a healthy life.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Written By Dr. Sakshi JainMS, BDS

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Overview

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in which the body fails to effectively use insulin. According to the WHO, more than 95% of people with diabetes worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes. Until recently, type 2 diabetes was thought to be affecting only adults above the age of 40 years. However, due to stress and an inactive lifestyle, even people in their 20s are also at a high risk of diabetes.

Initially, Type 2 diabetes is mostly asymptomatic. Also, the symptoms tend to develop slowly and go unnoticed for a long time which makes it difficult to diagnose the condition. You might be at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes if anyone in your family has diabetes along with other risk factors such as obesity, inactive lifestyle, etc.

The gold standard test to diagnose type 2 diabetes is HbA1c as it gives you an idea of your blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. However, other tests such as fasting glucose and postprandial glucose tests are also commonly used. Once diagnosed, it is important to go for regular health check-ups and manage your diabetes properly because if left uncontrolled, it can impact other organs such as the kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves and legs.

Type 2 diabetes is managed with the help of diet control, exercise and use of oral medications. In cases of uncontrolled diabetes or high glucose levels, your doctor might recommend the use of insulin injections or pens.

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