Grapefruit and Diabetes

Grapefruit may help to reduce blood sugar levels in individuals that have Diabetes, though studies are not entirely conclusive. A 2003 study into the effectiveness of the fruit showed that individuals that consumed half of a grapefruit before each meal for 12 weeks lost an average of 3.6 pounds, compared to the control group, which lost about half a pound.

Researchers believe that consuming grapefruit can help to lower levels of insulin in the body of a Type 2 Diabetic. When insulin levels are low, individuals feel less hungry and they metabolize sugar more efficiently than when levels are high.

High insulin levels not only make individuals feel hungry, but they also stimulate the liver to make fat. In a non-Diabetic, that fat would then absorb sugar from food with the help of insulin. However, in a Diabetic, insulin levels stay high so that fat is continually created, but sugar is not absorbed because the receptors are not functional. Click here for more information about the biology of Diabetes.

A word of caution: If you are interested in incorporating grapefruit into your healthcare plan, keep in mind that grapefruit may interact with some medications, though studies are also not entirely clear. However, many doctors believe that grapefruit may negate the effects of Metformin, a common oral medication used to treat Diabetes. Talk to your doctor before starting a new diet, especially one involving grapefruits.