Insights & Discussion
Blueberry and cranberry consumption significantly lowered fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels in individuals with diabetes.
The research methodology involved a systematic literature review and meta-analysis using publications sourced from seven different databases (PubMed, LILACS, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase) up until May 2021. The researchers included randomized clinical trials where the effects of blueberry or cranberry on parameters linked to type 2 diabetes such as fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin were compared. The quality of these studies was evaluated using the Cochrane scale while the Egger test was utilized to assess publication bias and the meta-regression evaluated the estimated effect sizes with potential moderator variables.
Following an initial identification of 2034 studies, 39 full-text studies were read, out of which 22 met the criteria to be included in the final meta-analysis. The findings showed that individuals with diabetes experienced significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin readings following the consumption of blueberries or cranberries. However, no significant effects were seen on insulin resistance. While the results were not universally significant when it came to the general population, an exception was found in the sensitivity analysis for fasting blood glucose.
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Berry fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries could potentially improve gut microbiota and reverse dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease patients.
2023 Nutrition Reviews Blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry as modulators of the gut microbiota: target for treatment of gut dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease? From current evidence to future possibilities Coutinho-Wolino KS, Melo MFS, Mota JC, Mafra D, Guimarães JT, Stockler-Pinto MB
Review Article Blueberry Chronic Kidney Disease Cranberry
Methodology: This research explores the therapeutic potential of berry fruits, including blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries, in relation to modulating gut microbiota in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The fruit’s rich polyphenol and nutrient content are assumed to promote the selective growth of beneficial bacteria, thus improving the clinical status of these patients. The study scrutinizes the impact on the abundance of mucus-producing bacteria and short-chain fatty acids specifically.
Discussion of Results: The gathered evidence illustrates that berry fruits, particularly with a daily intake of 5 mg, can promote diversity in the gut microbiota and possibly reverse dysbiosis, a common issue in chronic kidney disease patients. These fruits are found to increase the expression of mRNA involved in gut tight junctions such as occludin, TJP1, and mucin, and they may reduce uremic toxins by controlling the gut microbiota, improving the uremic condition. As such, long-term use of berry fruits could be an effective strategy for CKD patients.
Tart cherry juice shows promise in aiding blood sugar control and supporting heart health, highlighting its potential as a natural dietary addition.
2022 Complementary Therapies in Medicine Effects of tart cherry juice consumption on cardio-metabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials Moosavian SP, Maharat M, Chambari M, Moradi F, Rahimlou M
Systematic Review Blood Sugar Cardiovascular Disease Heart Disease
Tart cherry juice was found to lower fasting blood sugar but didn't have a significant impact on blood pressure, insulin, cholesterol, body fat, or weight. It is rich in antioxidants, which may be why it's beneficial for the heart. Changes in gut bacteria might also play a role. More research with larger and varied groups of people is needed to confirm these findings and understand them better. In the meantime, healthcare professionals may consider suggesting tart cherry juice for heart health.
Raspberry consumption can help to reduce blood glucose levels and stabilize the blood lipid profile due to its bioactive compounds.
2022 Journal of Medicinal Food Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), a Promising Alternative in the Treatment of Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemias Piña-Contreras N, Martínez-Moreno AG, Ramírez-Anaya JDP, Espinoza-Gallardo AC, Valdés EHM
Systematic Review Blood Sugar Cholesterol Raspberry Leaf
The researchers conducted a systematic review of original articles and enzyme inhibition studies involving animal models and human clinical studies, extracting data from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases. The mechanisms of action investigated focused on how consumption of raspberry in different forms (like frozen, lyophilized, infusion of leaves, seed oil) and compounds extracted from it could inhibit enzymes and increase insulin production and sensitivity, thereby affecting blood glucose levels.
The findings revealed that raspberry consumption, regardless of its form, consistently aided in reducing blood glucose levels. The mechanisms involved included inhibition of specific enzymes and enhancement of insulin production and sensitivity. On the other hand, the effects on the lipid profile were varied. While a decrease in cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels was recorded, the impact on triglyceride levels was less consistent and manifested mainly as stabilization rather than reduction. However, an increase in levels of beneficial high-density lipoproteins was reported, suggesting an overall beneficial effect on lipid profile.
Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened coffee can adversely affect blood sugar control in patients with diabetes mellitus in Korea.
2022 Metabolites Sugar-Sweetened Coffee Intake and Blood Glucose Management in Korean Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Yoo H, Park K
Cohort Study Blood Sugar Coffee HbA1C
This study focused on adult coffee consumption patterns in Korea using data collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2008 to 2020. The consuming habits of 5671 diabetic patients were analyzed considering how often they consumed a mixture of coffee with sugar and creamer, referred commonly as 3-in-1 coffee. The methods used involved assessing these patterns through a 24-hour recall. Blood sugar control was evaluated using fasting blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c levels, in line with the targets set by the Korean Diabetes Association.
The results revealed that nearly half of the diabetic patients in this study consumed sugar-sweetened coffee. These patients demonstrated significantly higher fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels compared to those who did not partake in such consumption. The findings also indicated an increased likelihood of patients failing to achieve their blood sugar control targets, corresponding to the frequency of their consumption of sugar-sweetened coffee.
The consumption of cocoa or dark chocolate can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
2021 Phytotherapy Research The effect of cocoa/dark chocolate consumption on lipid profile, glycemia, and blood pressure in diabetic patients: A meta‐analysis of observational studies Darand M, Hajizadeh Oghaz M, Hadi A, Atefi M, Amani R
Systematic Review Blood Sugar Cocoa Dark Chocolate
A systematic search of databases identified eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 433 participants for meta-analysis. The results demonstrated a substantial reduction in LDL-c levels (WMD: −15.49 mg/dl) and FBS concentrations (WMD: −6.88 mg/dl) following cocoa/dark chocolate consumption. The study emphasizes the potential positive effects of cocoa/dark chocolate on the metabolic profile of diabetic individuals.
The meta-analysis included RCTs focusing on cocoa/dark chocolate interventions in diabetic patients, with a significant pooled analysis showing reduced LDL-c and FBS levels. The findings suggest that incorporating cocoa/dark chocolate in the diet of diabetic individuals could be beneficial for managing lipid profile and glycemia. Further research is necessary to solidify these insights and understand the complete impact on metabolic health.
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