Antioxidants and insulin: how cherries can influence diabetes control

15 Feb 2024
22395

Cherries emerge as crucial allies in controlling diabetes. The safety of cherry consumption for diabetes patients is a proven fact, helping to maintain blood sugar levels in a balanced dietary plan. In order to maintain stable sugar levels, it is essential to make changes to the diet, paying particular attention to carbohydrates. Cherries, while containing sugar, rank among the safe fruits for diabetics, however, requiring moderation in portion sizes.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages cherry consumption in a low glycaemic index (GI) diet, where low-GI foods release glucose into the bloodstream more slowly, helping to keep sugar levels stable. The many benefits of cherries for diabetes sufferers are revealed in their low fat content, richness in fibre and vitamin C, recommended by both the ADA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Thanks to antioxidants called anthocyanins, cherries can positively influence glucose production, reducing the risk of blood sugar spikes. Studies also indicate a potential promotion of insulin production through cherry consumption.

The anthocyanins in cherries, with antioxidant properties, have been shown to manage blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance in diabetic patients, according to scientific evidence. Further research indicates that cherries may bring additional health benefits, including improved sleep, cognitive function, reduced arthritis symptoms and support recovery after strenuous exercise.

In conclusion, cherries, with their low glycaemic index and ideal nutritional intake, are a healthy and tasty choice for diabetic patients, contributing to the effective control of diabetes through a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.

Read the full article: Medical News Today
Image: Cleveland Clinic


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

High quality and excellent sizes are what to expect for the Turkish season

Production

05 Jun 2024

‘Although we have lost important volumes, we expect to have good quality and larger cherries than in previous years,’ says Yigit Gokyigit, of Alanar Fruit. ‘We will be able to harvest up to 400 tonnes of cherries from our orchards.

Successful Tasmanian grown social media campaign for cherries

Consumption

19 Mar 2026

Social media campaign promoting Tasmanian cherries in Sydney and Melbourne reached over 1.49 million views and 15,600 interactions. Targeting Asian communities during Lunar New Year, the strategy leveraged influencers and high-engagement digital content strategy.

In evidenza

The competitiveness of cherries on international markets will increasingly depend on the efficiency of refrigerated logistics

Post-harvest​

01 Oct 2026

Chile’s 2026/27 cherry season is projected at 132 million boxes. With volumes rising and China still the key market, refrigerated transport, cold chain management, traceability and advance logistics planning will be crucial to protect quality, timing and profitability.

Delaying flowering to minimise damage from late frosts to cherry blossoms

Tech management

01 Oct 2026

A new study shows that ethephon can delay flowering in Kordia sweet cherries, potentially reducing the risk of damage from late spring frosts. The effect varies by cultivar, dose and timing, and further multi-year field trials are needed before practical recommendations.

Tag Popolari