Could eating raspberries help people with diabetes?

Aug 8, 2019

 

Around 4.7 million people in the UK currently have diabetes and if nothing changes these figures are projected to rise to 5.5 million by 2030.[1]  Of those with diabetes in the UK, about 90% have type 2 diabetes. This is a condition in which the pancreas can fail to produce enough insulin – the hormone which regulates blood sugar levels.[2]Prediabetes (borderline diabetes) is also on the rise, with growing numbers largely being driven by rising obesity rates.[3]

Dr Emma Derbyshire, Public Health Nutritionist and adviser to British Berry Growers commented: “These are very interesting trials both suggesting that raspberry consumption could be an important dietary component for those at risk of type 2 diabetes.

“We know that berries are low in calories and provide polyphenols making them an ideal breakfast component or snack. What we need now is more research along with information about how these findings could be used in practice, for example dietary strategies for those at risk of type 2 diabetes or advice on the best way to get five-a-day for those at risk of poor metabolic health.”

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[1]https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/new-stats-people-living-with-diabetes

[2]https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/what-is-type-2-diabetes

[3]https://www.diabetes.co.uk/pre-diabetes.html