Can people with diabetes eat mangoes?

Summer season is welcomed in India despite the scorching heat and the main reason for that is to enjoy aam (mango), the delicious summer fruit. Summer is incomplete without digging into juicy, rich mangoes or indulging in delicacies prepared with mangoes.No wonder mango is known as the ‘King of Fruits’.

In the Hindu Vedas, mango is considered to be the food of the gods. Mangoes are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients as they are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

However, for people with diabetes, it’s always a dilemma as to eat or not eat mangoes, and how much to eat. This is the time when self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) becomes essential. When one is aware of their blood glucose levels through regular checks, they can take informed decisions about how much they can consume without jeopardising their health.

Keep a tab

There are various ways to check blood sugar levels. One of the best ways is to buy an accurate glucometer and test at the convenience of your home, office or as advised by your doctor.

A glucometer is much easier to use than you think, especially during occasions when one is unsure of food choices and when labs are not available easily. Glucometers help people with diabetes understand their sugar patterns while providing clarity on how much food can be consumed while keeping their sugar levels in the normal range. With advancement in technology and regulations being put in place, there are highly accurate and precise glucometers now available which provide accurate readings at virtually half the cost of lab tests. With these products one can now keep a track of their blood sugar levels while relishing mangoes.

It is advisable to check blood sugar level while you enjoy mangoes and check with your physician regardingthe right testing frequency to understand the sugar fluctuation.

Corrective measures

On the basis of prior consultation and guidance received from the doctor, if one finds that sugar is out of the normal range, then it is better to take corrective actions.

Maintaining a regular exercise regime, switching to low carb option for the next meal etc. are examples of actions that will help keep the readings in the normal range.

They should also reach out to their physician for advice. Studies conducted among doctors of selective metros and mini-metros in India have shown that nine out of 10 doctors recommend self-monitoring of blood glucose levels to ensure controlled blood glucose levels (source: IQVIA Consulting and Information Services India Pvt Ltd. For SMBG category only).

While it is important to self-monitor blood glucose it is equally important to choose a high quality glucometer that meets ISO standards to get accurate results that one can rely upon.

Hence, it is important that one talks to the physician regarding the right blood sugar levels and optimal testing frequency required to understand one’s blood sugar pattern.

With the help of regular sugar monitoring and a little care, people with diabetes can enjoy the best of the mango season with confidence.

(Courtesy: Roche Diagnostics)