Breakfast juice that's safe for type 2 diabetics, study says
A groundbreaking clinical trial has found that people with type 2 diabetes can safely enjoy a glass of 100% orange juice at breakfast without serious consequences when it comes to blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is an escalating global health concern, currently affecting close to 4.6 million people in the UK, with Diabetes UK suggesting there could be an additional 1.3 million undiagnosed cases. Lifestyle choices, particularly dietary habits, are important in controlling and preventing this disease.
This new research, featured in the international journal Nutrition and Diabetes, looked at the impact of consuming whole oranges versus fruit juice on blood glucose and insulin reactions, bringing some unexpected findings. The study, carried out by researchers at the University of Hasselt in Belgium, involved normal-to-overweight adults who have well-managed type 2 diabetes.
The participants had a standard high-carbohydrate breakfast on three different occasions, each time accompanied by either pieces of whole orange, a 250ml serving of 100% orange juice, or an orange-flavoured beverage with extra sugars. Blood sugar and insulin levels were monitored for four hours after each meal, reports Surrey Live.
The principal investigator, Dr Kenneth Verboven, said: "We believed that the lowest blood glucose levels would be seen when someone ate fruit with breakfast, while orange juice and a sugary drink would cause higher glucose levels. In fact, there were no differences.
"We think this was because most of the rise in blood glucose and insulin came from the bread eaten at our standard carbohydrate-rich breakfast. The small amounts of sugars from the fruit or drinks were inconsequential.
"This doesn't mean we recommend that people with diabetes should have drinks with added sugars at breakfast, as these typically have no nutritional benefit. However, 100% orange juice is different as the sugars come directly from the fruit and it contains similar vitamins, minerals and bioactives to whole oranges.
"While fruit remains the healthiest addition to breakfast as it contains some fibre, a small daily glass of 100% fruit juice is a convenient alternative when fruit isn't an option."
A glass of juice can 'bridge the gap'
Recent research from Ipsos commissioned by Swedish food tech firm Picadeli revealed 86% of Britain's Gen Z adults fall short of WHO recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption. Incorporating a daily glass of 100% fruit juice can help 'bridge this gap', the scientists explained.
Under EU and UK legislation, pure orange juice and other 100% fruit juices are minimally processed and contain no added sugars, flavourings, or preservatives. A single glass of orange juice delivers more than 80% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, a vital nutrient that boosts immunity and skin health.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, a renowned nutritionist, said: "With fruit intake alarmingly low across Europe, adding a small daily glass of fruit juice into your diet can be an easy way to make sure you consume important nutrients and vitamins. This study shows that you don't need to avoid fruit juice if you have well-controlled diabetes and can instead benefit from the vitamins and minerals. Choosing a high fibre breakfast, such as oats or bran flakes, is a good way to help limit those blood sugar spikes."
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