Whole fruit is better than juice, especially for diabetes

MONDE – It is better to eat whole fruit than to eat it in the form of juice, especially for people with diabetes, a chronic disease that affects how the body uses insulin and glucose.

This was said by an expert in internal medicine, an endocrine and metabolic consultant who graduated from Brawijaya University, Dr. Rulli Rosandi, Sp.PD-KEMD in a discussion celebrating Diabetes Day with Novo Nordisk in in Jakarta, Thursday (14/11/). 2024).

“Reduce juice, because juice will mean that many fruits are not used or lost, the calories will also be higher in fructose (a type of sugar often found in fruit),” explained Dr. Rulli .

He explained that whole fruit has more fibre, which plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels.

The fiber in whole fruit, especially soluble fiber, helps slow the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes after eating.

In contrast, when fruit is juiced, most of the fiber is lost, while the natural sugar level in the fruit remains. This causes a faster rise in blood sugar after juice consumption, which may worsen glycemic control in people with diabetes.

In addition, eating whole fruit tends to make you feel fuller for longer due to its higher fiber content, helping to control appetite and prevent eat too much

Fruit juices also often contain calories and added or sweetened sugar, which can increase the glycemic load, worsen insulin resistance, and increase the risk of uncontrolled blood sugar fluctuations.

“Also, juices usually don’t need just one fruit, they contain several fruits so the calories are also higher,” said Dr. Rulli.

In addition, he recommends diabetics to avoid fruits with high sugar levels, and dates are one of them.

Of course, a lot of fruit is good for health, however, the right portion is needed for diabetes sufferers.

“What is certain is that diabetes sufferers must eat fruits whose number of calories does not exceed their daily calorie needs. We can give them any fruit, as long as that it will not exceed their daily calorie needs,” he explained (ant).