Are cherries beneficial for individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM)?

Cherries for Diabetes: Potential Benefits and Recommendations

Cherries can be included as part of a healthy diet for individuals with diabetes as they are nutrient-dense fruits that contain beneficial compounds, but they should be consumed in moderation and counted as part of total carbohydrate intake. 1

Nutritional Value of Cherries for Diabetes Management

Cherries offer several potential benefits for people with diabetes:

• Rich in anthocyanins and other antioxidants that may help reduce oxidative stress 2, 3
• Contain fiber which can help with blood glucose management
• Provide essential vitamins and minerals with minimal processing
• Low glycemic response compared to many processed carbohydrates 2

Guidelines for Fruit Consumption in Diabetes

According to diabetes care standards:

• Eating plans should emphasize nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources high in fiber (at least 14g fiber per 1,000 kcal) 1
• Fruits, including cherries, are recommended as part of a healthy eating pattern 1
• Whole fruits are preferred over fruit juices 1
• Carbohydrate intake from fruits should be counted as part of total carbohydrate management 1

Practical Recommendations for Cherry Consumption

1. Portion control is essential:

   • Count cherries as part of your total carbohydrate intake
   • A typical serving is about 1 cup (approximately 21 cherries)
   • Monitor blood glucose response after consumption

2. Timing considerations:

   • For those on fixed insulin doses, maintain consistency in timing and amount of carbohydrates, including cherries 1
   • For those using flexible insulin therapy, adjust insulin based on the carbohydrate content of cherries 1

3. Choose whole cherries over processed forms:

   • Avoid cherry juice and sweetened cherry products 1
   • Guidelines specifically advise replacing fruit juices with water 1

Research on Cherries and Diabetes

Some research suggests potential benefits:

• Animal studies show cherry extracts may help lower blood glucose levels 4, 5, 6
• Human studies indicate cherries may decrease markers of oxidative stress and inflammation 3
• Some evidence suggests improvements in VLDL and triglyceride/HDL ratio in diabetic women 3

Important Caveats and Considerations

• Total carbohydrate matters most: The total amount of carbohydrates consumed has greater impact on glycemia than the specific source 1
• Individual response varies: Monitor your personal blood glucose response to cherry consumption
• Avoid using cherries to treat hypoglycemia: They contain protein which may increase insulin response without adequately raising blood glucose 1
• Research limitations: Most studies on cherries and diabetes are short-term and conducted in animals; more robust human studies are needed 3

Bottom Line

While cherries offer nutritional benefits and contain compounds that may help with diabetes-related oxidative stress and inflammation, they should be consumed as part of a balanced eating plan with attention to total carbohydrate intake. Always prioritize whole cherries over juices or processed cherry products, and monitor your individual blood glucose response.