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Strawberries in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Beautiful and juicy strawberries leave no one indifferent. Throughout the berry season, we try to get our fill of ripe, aromatic fruits, because this period is so fleeting. And if eating berries is good for healthy people, is strawberry allowed for diabetes?
What berries are allowed to be eaten by people with diabetes?
The fruits of berry bushes and fruit trees are the main suppliers of vitamin and mineral components for the body. For people suffering from diabetes, it is important that such useful compounds are supplied constantly and in sufficient quantities. Vitamins present in berry and fruit pulp improve the functioning of the immune system and facilitate the function of the pancreas. In addition, many of them help to reduce or normalize the sugar content in the bloodstream, as they provide a new portion of insulin to the circulatory system.
Eating enough fiber is another necessity for diabetes. It is fiber that helps to “drive out” “bad” cholesterol from the body, stabilize sugar levels, and prevent the development of obesity.
Which berries are allowed for patients with diabetes? These are blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants and even strawberries. All the berries listed have a low glycemic level and in adequate quantities will not harm a sick person. But we must not forget that any plant products are preferably consumed fresh, not heat-treated. In addition, you cannot add honey to them and, especially, sugar.
What fruits can you eat with diabetes? You can add apples, pears, apricots, oranges and grapefruits, kiwis and lemons to your diet. These fruits will not cause a significant drop in glucose levels, so they will not harm a person with diabetes. Of course, the amounts eaten should remain reasonable, and even the permitted apples should not be eaten in kilograms.
Is it possible to eat strawberries if you have type 1 and 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is usually divided into two variants of the course: type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes, and type 2, or insulin-independent diabetes. Insulin-dependent pathology was previously called "juvenile", since it mainly affects people aged 20-35. Type 2 diabetes is considered more common, this type affects many people of different age categories.
The principles of nutrition for type 1 and type 2 diabetes are mostly similar. First of all, this is the exclusion of so-called fast carbohydrates in the form of sugar and sweets. However, it is impossible to completely give up carbohydrates, because this is a necessary component of normal metabolism. Patients with diabetes are recommended to replenish glucose reserves by eating certain types of fruits and berries, including strawberries.
For some expectant mothers, the question of whether strawberries can be included in the menu for diabetes is also urgent. We are talking about women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes - a disorder that appears during pregnancy and safely disappears after the birth of the baby. The reason for this disorder is a decrease in the sensitivity of cellular structures to insulin, which is explained by a sharp jump in hormonal levels. After the birth of the child, the blood glucose level usually stabilizes, but there is a certain risk of the gestational form of the disease turning into full-fledged type 2 diabetes. To prevent this transformation, it is very important to adhere to a special diet. In addition, a diet is also needed during the period of gestation, so as not to harm or disrupt the intrauterine growth and development of the future baby.
Women with gestational diabetes are allowed to eat strawberries, but in small quantities, about 400 g per day. It is very important that the berries are fresh and do not contain nitrates or other toxic substances, so it is better to choose strawberries that are absolutely safe.
As you can see, strawberries will only bring benefits to diabetes, provided they are consumed correctly in moderate quantities. Even healthy people who do not suffer from endocrine pathologies and diabetes should not abuse berries or include unripe or suspicious-looking strawberries in their diet.
[ Strawberries for high sugar
Endocrinologists advise adding strawberries to the diet with high blood sugar, since this berry contains a large number of important components that are essential for a sick organism. What beneficial qualities can strawberries boast of for diabetes?
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Improves the condition of blood vessels.
- Prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
- Improves blood properties, prevents thrombosis.
- Stabilizes blood pressure.
A large set of antioxidants present in strawberries accelerates metabolic processes at the cellular level, prevents intracellular accumulation of toxic substances, regulates sugar levels. If you eat strawberries regularly with diabetes, you can help reduce body weight, optimize bowel function, and improve the absorption capacity of the small intestinal mucosa.
In addition, strawberries are a strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. This property is important for patients suffering from diabetes, as they have a slowdown in regenerative processes, and even minor tissue damage can transform into a long-term sluggish wound.
Benefits and harms of strawberries for diabetes
Restrictive changes in nutrition are one of the mandatory conditions that a patient with diabetes must follow. However, strawberries are not included in the list of prohibited products for diabetes, as they are more sour and less sweet berries, with a low glycemic index.
There is evidence that strawberries can help stabilize blood glucose levels in diabetes. This is not surprising, since one small cup of berries contains at least 3 grams of fiber.
Strawberries are low in calories and contain an average of 45 kcal per 100 g. After eating just one glass of berries, you can get at least 11 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of fat. Among other things, strawberries can "boast" a high content of ascorbic and folic acid, B-group vitamins, as well as many minerals, including magnesium and potassium, phosphorus and iron, iodine and calcium, zinc, cobalt, selenium, etc.
A wide range of useful components allows you to protect the body at the cellular level, improve the course of oxidative processes. And the high content of polyphenols (dietary fiber) delays the absorption of glucose in the digestive system, which contributes to a smoother and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels, without intense surges.
In what cases should you still be careful about adding strawberries to your diet?
Experts do not recommend eating berries on an empty stomach if you have diabetes, especially if you have problems with the digestive tract, such as hyperacid gastritis, peptic ulcer, or gastroduodenitis. You should also be careful if the patient has diabetes combined with urolithiasis, cystitis, or gout. In addition, you should take into account the high allergenic capacity of strawberries: if the patient suffers from hypersensitivity and a tendency to allergic reactions, it is advisable to minimize the consumption of strawberries.