I know what you are thinking…fruit and diabetes does not mix well and dates being a sugary fruit should be avoided like the plague by diabetics. A typical date has 10 grams of natural sugar.
However, it turns out that date fruit actually has anti-diabetic properties ! Why is this? Date fruit contains compounds called polyphenols which have diverse effects. Some of these polyphenols inhibit an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase which plays a role in slowing down dietary sugar absorption. When you eat a carbohydrate rich foods, your body uses alpha-glucosidase to breakdown the carbohydrates. By inhibiting this enzyme, the sugar absorbed into your body is delayed. There is a diabetic medication called acarbose which inhibits this enzyme. However, acarbose can cause nausea, diarrhea and flatulence. Oh, how fun that is !
Another type of polyphenol found in dates are flavonoids which can increase the number of beta cells. Beta cells are found in the pancreas and are responsible for making, storing and releasing insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells become damaged and thus type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes. In contrast, type 2 diabetes is known as non -insulin-dependent diabetes. However, over time, even type 2 diabetics can have diminished beta cell capacity.
So,in summary, dates contain polyphenols that can slow down sugar absorption and help the pancreas make insulin. While the jury is not clear yet to what degree dates can regenerate beta cells, dates should not be something to be feared by diabetics.
Note: The content provided in this blog post and website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice of a physician.
Reference:
- Mia, M. A., Mosaib, M. G., Khalil, M. I., Islam, M. A., & Gan, S. H. (2020). Potentials and Safety of Date Palm Fruit against Diabetes: A Critical Review. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 9(11), 1557. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111557