Often an arduous task for those afflicted with diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels effectively can boil down to two major variables: an adequate amount of exercise and an appropriate diet.
But that doesn't mean sweet, sugary treats need to be ruled out entirely. In fact, a dietician has revealed to GB News that mangoes could play a significant role in managing blood glucose levels, offering hope for those concerned about the risk.
Jennifer Pallian explained that the tropical fruit contains a powerful polyphenol called mangiferin, found throughout the flesh, leaves and seeds.
"In clinical studies, supplementing high-fat breakfasts with fresh mango resulted in modest improvements in postprandial glucose levels in healthy individuals," Jennifer told the People's Channel.
Mangoes are beneficial for those who have to keep an eye on their blood glucose levels
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She noted that regular mango consumption over 12 weeks has been linked to better glycaemic control and reduced inflammation when compared to low-fat cookie snacks.
New research from the Illinois Institute of Technology has provided compelling evidence for mangoes' ability to reduce insulin resistance in overweight adults.
The study, published in the journal Nutrients, examined 48 participants aged 20 to 60 who consumed two pre-portioned cups of fresh mango daily while maintaining their normal diet and lifestyle.
Researchers compared the effects against participants eating the same calorie content of Italian ice, a frozen sweetened dessert similar to sorbet.
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The results were particularly striking, with those who ate mangoes experiencing "significant" reductions in insulin resistance, a key factor in diabetes prevention.
Additionally, Jennifer explained that in obese individuals, consuming mangoes for eight to 12 weeks decreased blood glucose, though effects on HbA1c and HOMA-IR varied.
"Even in individuals with type 2 diabetes, fresh mango consumption lowered both peak glucose and area under the curve values compared to white bread," she told GB News.
Around 100 calories of mango daily could boost insulin sensitivity, one study showed
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Dr Indika Edirisinghe from the Illinois Institute of Technology suggested that around 100 calories of mango daily could boost insulin sensitivity.
"Our study suggests that adding fresh mangoes to the diet can be a simple, enjoyable way for people who are overweight or have obesity to support better insulin function and reduce type 2 diabetes risk," Dr Edirisinghe said.
If you have any significant concerns about your health or are considering a change to your daily diet, please consult a medical professional.
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