ED ACCUSES ARVIND KEJRIWAL OF MANIPULATING HIS DIET; CAN EATING MANGOES INCREASE BLOOD SUGAR IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES?

The Enforcement Directorate has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a diabetic, of consuming mangoes and tea with sugar to raise his blood sugar levels and then using it as a ground for bail.

Kejriwal, who has type 2 diabetes, was arrested by the ED on March 21 in the Delhi excise policy case and is currently lodged in the Tihar jail. According to news reports, food items - including mangoes and sweets, are being sent from Kejriwal’s home as the court has allowed him to eat home-cooked food.

However, the counsel of the 55-year-old has said his diet is according to the one prescribed by the doctor.

Related News |

“This is an issue made by ED so that home-cooked food should also be stopped. This concerns his health. Whatever he is having is as per the doctor’s prescribed diet. The matter is subjudice, we do not want to say anything,” Kejriwal's counsel advocate Vivek Jain told the media.

Do mangoes affect blood sugar levels?

Mangoes are among the most popular foods across the world, known for their sweet and juicy flavour.

Related News |

Packed with high sugar content, along with essential minerals and vitamins, mangoes are rich in protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamin C, fibre, and copper.

It also boasts small quantities of several other important minerals like magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, and zinc.

Experts say more than 90 per cent of the calories in mango come from sugar, which is why it contributes to increased blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

“For individuals with diabetes, managing their diet is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels and overall health. When considering fruits like bananas, mangoes, and chikoo, it's essential to understand their impact on blood sugar,” Dr. L. Sudarshan Reddy, Senior Consultant Physician, Yashoda Hospitals, told Times Now.

However, mangoes are also rich in various antioxidants - which play a role in minimizing their overall blood sugar impact. As fibre slows the rate at which your body absorbs the sugar into your bloodstream, antioxidants help reduce any stress response associated with rising blood sugar levels.

This makes it easier for your body to manage the influx of carbs and stabilize blood sugar levels. And so, according to Dr. Reddy, the fruit should be eaten only in moderation.

Ways to make mangoes more diabetic friendly

If you have diabetes, but love mangoes, there are a few ways you can incorporate them in your daily diet without worrying about your blood sugar levels. A few of these are:

Portion control

Among the best ways to reduce mango’s blood sugar effects is to avoid eating too many at the same time. According to experts, carbs increase your blood sugar levels.

And so, portion control is the key to managing it. If you have diabetes, start with half a cup of mango to see how your blood sugar responds.

Add protein

Along with fibre and antioxidants, protein can also help reduce blood sugar spikes when eaten alongside high-carb foods like mango. Since the fruit is not very rich in protein, adding a source of this nutrient like eggs or a handful of nuts helps balance blood sugar.

“Moderation is key when consuming mangoes, and it's advisable to pair them with protein or fiber-rich foods to help balance their effects on blood sugar,” Dr. Reddy added.

2024-04-19T04:29:03Z dg43tfdfdgfd