This ‘healthy' breakfast drink may be doing more harm than good for diabetics. Health experts warn

Economic Times

3 days ago

A new advisory from Chemist4U's head pharmacist and Diabetes UK cautions diabetics against consuming fruit juice. Though often considered healthy, juice lacks fiber and delivers a concentrated dose of sugar, raising blood sugar dangerously fast. Experts urge diabetics to moderate consumption and opt for whole fruits instead to avoid worsening diabetes-related complications.
Health experts warn that fruit juice, despite its 'natural' image, can be harmful for people with Type 2 diabetes. Lacking fiber and packed with sugar, it can spike blood glucose levels quickly. (Image: iStock)
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The Surprising Drink Diabetics Are Being Urged to Avoid
While fruit juices may retain a halo of health from their fruit-based origins, for people with Type 2 diabetes, that halo can quickly turn into a hazard. (Image: iStock)
Why Juice Lacks the 'Fruit Power' Diabetics Need
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One Small Glass?
For anyone trying to manage Type 2 diabetes, the focus is usually on sugar-laden desserts or starchy foods. But what if one of the biggest culprits was sitting quietly in your fridge, disguised as a 'healthy' choice? A recent advisory by health professionals reveals a hidden danger in a beverage many assume is good for them—but could actually wreak havoc on blood sugar levels.According to The Mirror, in a report by Surrey Live, Jason Murphy , head pharmacist at Chemist4U, revealed a beverage that's long been considered nutritious but is now being flagged for its potential risk to diabetics: fruit juice. While whole fruits are known for their fiber and vitamin-rich benefits, fruit juice—despite its natural origin—might be doing more damage than good for those managing diabetes.'Fruit juices may seem harmless,' Murphy explained, 'but without the fiber found in whole fruits, they can lead to sharp spikes in blood sugar.'This isn't just pharmacist advice—it's a concern echoed by Diabetes UK , a leading diabetes charity. The organization explains that most commercial fruit juices have the fiber removed during processing. What remains is a concentrated shot of sugar and carbohydrates—exactly what people with diabetes are advised to control.According to Diabetes UK, the issue lies in the ease with which fruit juice can be consumed. 'It's quite easy to drink large quantities of juice rapidly,' they noted. 'This means you could be drinking a lot of extra calories, carbs and sugar without realizing it.'So should people with diabetes swear off juice completely? Not necessarily—but moderation is key. Experts suggest limiting fruit juice to just one small glass (150ml) per day and even recommend diluting it with water to lessen the glycemic impact.'If you're going to drink it,' Murphy advised, 'make it last longer and reduce the sugar concentration by diluting.'While fruit juices may retain a halo of health from their fruit-based origins, for people with Type 2 diabetes, that halo can quickly turn into a hazard. As health experts increasingly push for smarter dietary decisions, the message is clear: just because it's natural doesn't mean it's harmless. And in the world of diabetes management, every sip counts.