orange juice resources & research

[tjrae]

Does anyone know any credible research or printed/web articles on the effect on someone with diabetes of drinking large quantities of orange juice? I have a friend who has been advised not to drink so much orange juice because the spikes are burning out brain cells. He is an older gentleman who never had the interest or energy to learn good nutrition and has managed himself at high normal levels. In other words, he become symptomatic at levels of 110 or so. Other folks have tried to help him learn how to use food to maintain a more stable blood sugar level, but he doesn't seem to want to listen to them. He does tend to read and accept printed information and scientific sounding materials. So, first, does what he is being told about the use of so much oj hurting his brain cells sound legit? And second, anyone have any resources on oj effects on diabetics or on brains they can share? Thank you so much. I appreciate the generosity of this community!

[princesslinda]

Hi TJ, welcome!

I know that orange juice is routinely given to patient to RAISE blood sugar when it goes low. Fruit juice is mostly sugar and empty calories, your friend would do much better eating a whole orange.

Orange juice WILL cause blood sugars to rise...he can check his blood sugar in timed increments and see the effect it has if he doubts it. High blood sugar affects several parts of the body, including eyes and kidneys and your body's ability to heal. If you're blind, can't walk and are in renal failure, it's not going to matter if you're burning out a few brain cells or not.

Sounds like your friend isn't really all that interested in changing his diabetes management. I'm betting orange juice isn't the only thing he's eating/drinking that could be harmful to himself.

[fgummett]

Just as Linda said...

check out the amount of sugar in a glass of OJ compared to a glass of cola... pretty much an exact match.

[Cormac_Doyle]

Just as Linda said...

check out the amount of sugar in a glass of OJ compared to a glass of cola... pretty much an exact match.

I'd still rather drink the OJ ...

[princesslinda]

I'd still rather drink the OJ ...

ME TOO! Haven't had orange juice in nearly 3 years...I do miss it at times. Coke/soda I really don't miss, as I enjoy the diet equivalents to at least some of them.

[Shel_B]

I love orange juice, but won't drink any of the processed kind. If I want OJ, I'll make some up fresh. Best bet is to eat the fruit - it has some fiber and other ingredients that may be unavailable in juice, especially the processed juice.

Shel