Type 2 diabetes: Two fruits could send blood sugar levels soaring as warning issued

In Ireland, an estimated 308,948 people - or 6% of the population - have diabetes, according to HSE figures. Of this group, approximately 30,895 have Type 1 diabetes and 275,904 are affected by Type 2 diabetes.

Alarming data from a 2021 Healthy Ireland survey suggests that up to 30% of those with Type 2 diabetes may not even know they have it. Projections indicate that in the next 10 to 15 years, the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes may rise by 60%.

The increasingly common condition causes a person’s blood sugar to become too high - essentially an inability of the body to break down glucose levels. It's a serious condition which increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, narrowing of blood vessels and nerve damage if not controlled.

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 is when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.

Type 2 is the most common, and it’s when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells fail to react to insulin. This one is considered the easier to manage of the two.

Given the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Ireland, experts have warned that certain fruits can lead to potentially harmful blood sugar spikes. Type 2 diabetes is primarily an issue of the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or of the body failing to absorb insulin properly. Insulin’s role in regulating blood sugar is crucial; without it, glucose levels can rise to dangerous levels. Diet, however, plays an essential role in managing blood sugar levels.

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Foods high in sugar or carbohydrates are the most problematic, as they lead to spikes in blood sugar. While it may seem simple to avoid these foods, some healthy options can also pose risks. For example, although fruit is considered a cornerstone of a healthy diet, Diabetes.co.uk cautions that two fruits, in particular, can cause blood sugar levels to soar "too high".

The health charity said: "Fruit is naturally quite high in sugars and fruit will typically have more carbohydrate than non-starchy vegetables. For example, bananas and oranges are examples of more sugary fruits whereas berries are examples of less sugary fruits."

Given the high sugar content in some fruits, the health charity advises to "bear this in mind to prevent blood sugar levels rising too high". However, it is essential not to completely eliminate these nutritious foods, but rather to consume them with caution.

Fruit, along with vegetables, is one of the healthiest food groups to incorporate into your diet. According to the HSE's Healthy Eating Guidelines, people in Ireland are recommended to eat five to seven portions of fruit and vegetable servings per day

How to manage Type 2 diabetes

The HSE say: "The most important person caring for your health and Type 2 diabetes is you. The choices that you make every day have a huge impact on how you treat your diabetes. Diabetes can affect many parts of your life. It's important that you learn how to treat and care for your diabetes."

The treatments that work for Type 2 diabetes, according to the HSE, include:

• taking an active role in your care
• eating healthy foods
• being physically active and sitting less
• managing your mental health
• managing your weight
• limiting your alcohol and quitting smoking
• doing a free diabetes support course
• going for regular check-ups
• medicine, if needed

The HSE supports a number of courses for adults with Type 2 diabetes which are free of charge.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes

According to the HSE: "Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising it. This is because the symptoms may not make you feel unwell, some people do not have symptoms and symptoms may not appear for some time."

The most common signs and symptoms of undiagnosed or poorly managed type 2 diabetes, according to the HSE, include:

• feeling thirsty all the time - you may drink lots but still feel thirsty
• peeing more than usual, particularly at night
• feeling tired, lack of energy, sleeping more than usual
• losing weight without trying to
• frequent infections, cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
• numbness, pain or tingling in your hands or feet
• blurred vision
• itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush

Diabetes Ireland is the only national charity in Ireland dedicated to helping people with diabetes. For more information, visit their website HERE.

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