Diabetes remains a chronic condition that affects millions when the body struggles with insulin production or utilisation. This vital hormone regulates blood sugar levels, and without proper function, maintaining healthy glucose levels can become challenging.
Managing the life-changing disease often demands significant lifestyle adjustments. Patients typically alter their eating plans and carefully monitor carbohydrate consumption to keep blood sugar within target ranges.
Although most fruits contain natural sugars, including citrus varieties like lemons and oranges, they remain safe for diabetics when consumed in appropriate quantities. Still, medical professionals recommend consulting with doctors or dietitians to determine suitable portions for individual needs.
Dietician Jennifer Pallian explained the benefits to GB News, saying: "Citrus fruits contain polyphenols, particularly flavanones like hesperidin and naringin, that appear to support long-term blood sugar regulation more than acute glycemic changes."
Although most fruits contain natural sugars, including citrus varieties like lemons and oranges, they remain safe for diabetics in moderation
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These naturally occurring substances appear to support long-term blood sugar regulation rather than causing immediate glycaemic changes. Their mechanisms of action involve complex interactions with digestive enzymes and glucose metabolism processes.
She continued: "In vitro and animal studies show these compounds can inhibit starch-digesting enzymes (e.g., α-amylase, α-glucosidase), reduce glucose transporter activity (SGLT1, GLUT2), and reduce hepatic (liver) glucose output.
"However, many of these studies use polyphenol doses much higher than what is realistically achievable through diet. Results also vary depending on the enzyme species used, whether human, rat, or microbial, making it difficult to extrapolate findings directly to human health."
Research has demonstrated promising anti-diabetic effects from citrus fruits, particularly oranges. A 2018 study revealed that high-fibre diets could reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes by 20 to 30 per cent.
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She detailed the specific mechanisms involved, adding. "In vitro and animal studies show these compounds can inhibit starch-digesting enzymes (e.g., α-amylase, α-glucosidase), reduce glucose transporter activity (SGLT1, GLUT2), and reduce hepatic (liver) glucose output."
These actions potentially slow carbohydrate digestion and limit glucose absorption in the digestive system. The compounds may also influence how the liver processes glucose after absorption occurs.
However, Jennifer cautioned about significant research limitations. "Many of these studies use polyphenol doses much higher than what is realistically achievable through diet," she noted.
Diabetes remains a chronic condition that affects millions
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But the research methodology varied somewhat, as Jennifer explained: "Results also vary depending on the enzyme species used, whether human, rat, or microbial, making it difficult to extrapolate findings directly to human health."
Despite these constraints, citrus polyphenols may offer benefits by delaying carbohydrate digestion and modulating liver glucose metabolism.
Yet the expert emphasised that "more research using physiologically relevant doses and human enzyme systems is needed to confirm these mechanisms".
Always consult your GP or another medical professional before making any substantial changes to your diet.
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