Post created by Piper
There is an old urban myth that blueberries can be a way to better manage blood sugars and even be a way to reverse diabetes. Being diabetic myself, I have heard this wife’s tale many times.
Firstly, what is diabetes? Well, there are two subcategories, Type 1 and Type 2, which are similar in name but extremely different in reality. Type 1 diabetes is an auto immune disease that is caused by your body essentially turning against itself causing a depletion of insulin production until it is all gone, this disease has no cure and is irreversible. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that commonly happens from lack of a healthy, balanced diet where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or resists it.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), blueberries are a diabetics “superfood”. In this case the term “superfood” refers to blueberries being packed with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber that promote overall health. Regarding those that are suffering from diabetes, blueberries have the potential to help with glucose processing along with weight loss and insulin sensitivity. This is due to the fact that blueberries have a low glycemic index, which means that it is less likely for this particular fruit to cause blood sugar spikes. Many studies have shown that for Type 2 diabetics eating 2-3 servings of blueberries can improve their hemoglobin A1c levels.
In conclusion blueberries though can be beneficial to those who are struggling with type 2 diabetes, they sadly do not assist much for those with type 1 other than tasting good and being high in fiber. This is due to the fact that Type 2 diabetics still have some insulin being produced, Type 1’s do not. So eating blueberries will not cure my diabetes or be extremely helpful with managing my blood sugars but if you are a type 2 there are some benefits.