Can a diabetic person eat mango, aloo-puri? In moderation, say experts

SHOULD YOU really be having mangoes if you have type -2 diabetes?and is aloopoori, an av ratri staple, a strict no-no for those wanting to keep their sugar levels in check?

With the ED alleging Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was deliberately eating the food items in jail to raise his blood sugar levels, thereby creating grounds for bail, and the Aam Aadmi Party hitting back, the popular food items have found themselves in the spotlight for unlikely reasons.

The Indian Express talks to two experts — Dr (Prof.) Surender Kumar, Advisor, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital; and dr priy an karo hatgi, Consultant Clinical Dietician and Advisor with private nutrition corporate s—on how safe, or harmful, the food items are for diabetics.

According to Dr Kumar, if one consumes anything in small quantities, it would not make a difference to their body even if they are suffering from diabetes.

Dr kumar said it is the amount of calories a food item generates that is more important, adding small, frequent six meals a day, includingsweet sand fruits, are fine.

Commenting on Kejriwal's diet plan, Dr Rohatgi said his meals are planned well but need some portion regulation in terms of carbohydrates, adding he needed to increase fibre and protein content. commenting specifically on mango, she said ,“man go has a Glycemic Index of 51. While it has fructose content, it also has adequate fibre. So, diabetics can have it daily, but in moderation.”

According to Dr Kumar, a diabetic person can consume the same amount of mangoes as a normal individual. “Normally, fruits are very good for diabetes also. Their Glycemic Index is also not very high,” he added.

“A Glycemic Index of 55 or below is considered low,” said Dr Rohatgi while cautioning, “If one has a heavy meal and tops it up with mango or mango juice, then it can be harmful.”

And what about aloo puri? Dr Kumar said it can be consumed once a week in limited quantities. “It is safe for a diabetic person,” he added.