Fruits and Berries

Fruits, like vegetables – are exceptionally beneficial products, characterized by a high content of fiber – the body’s “broom” – and detoxifying agents – pectins, – as well as vitamins, mineral elements, and biologically active substances with antioxidant and many other types of action.

The consumption of fruits and berries preserves youth, beauty, and health, strengthens immunity, supports vitality, and regulates hormonal balance.

However, unlike vegetables, berries and fruits are rich in mono-, oligo-, and polysaccharides, including those based on glucose, which on one hand are a rich source of energy, but on the other hand – require the pancreas to work actively and produce insulin in response to the influx of glucose into the blood. Therefore, by consuming a certain amount of fruits and berries in the morning, we charge ourselves with energy for the entire day, but at the same time receive a portion of sugars, some of which (glucose, maltose, sucrose, starch) are unsafe in type 2 diabetes and often contribute to weight gain.

Why are glucose and the oligo- and polysaccharides containing it so dangerous in diabetes?

     – In type 2 diabetes the receptors of cell membranes in the human body lose sensitivity to insulin, which is responsible for the entry of glucose into the cell, where this monosaccharide is the main source of energy, and glucose accumulates in the blood. When high levels of glucose in the blood are maintained (above 7.8 mmol/L), the body’s cells starve, a person experiences thirst, weakness, quickly becomes fatigued, becomes unable to perform even ordinary tasks, and loses weight significantly. To regulate blood sugar levels, patients with type 2 diabetes must adhere to a diet and exercise regimen. In this case, the cells rid themselves of excess fats, and their sensitivity to insulin is restored.

All these factors must be taken into account when developing one’s own diet.