Fruit juice

[gaz1971]

Hi all, when I was first diagnosed I was told not to drink a particular fruit juice, I think because it affected the way Metformin worked, I can't remember if it was grapefruit or cranberry, anyone know?

 

[ianf0ster]

Grapefruit juice affects several medicines, but as a Type 2 diabetic I would advise you not to drink any fruit juices - consider them as you would a sugary drink but with a little added vitamins.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Hi all, when I was first diagnosed I was told not to drink a particular fruit juice, I think because it affected the way Metformin worked, I can't remember if it was grapefruit or cranberry, anyone know?

Seconding @ianf0ster here. Usually it's grapefruit that causes problems (more often than not with statins and the like), but for a diabetic, practically all juices are a less than stellar idea... They're excellent hypo treatments for a reason, they make blood sugars go up really fast.

 

[Antje77]

Hi all, when I was first diagnosed I was told not to drink a particular fruit juice, I think because it affected the way Metformin worked

Have you been put on a statin at the same time as metformin?
Grapefruit is advised against when on statins.

 

[LivingLightly]

Cranberry juice interferes with the absorption of a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, as does grapefruit and grapefruit juice. This oral medication (eg. amlodipine) is widely prescribed to treat hypertension (sustained high blood pressure). Both cranberry and grapefruit juice also increase the blood-thinning effects of anticoagulants like warfarin and both juices inhibit the action of some statins.

I know of no interactions with metformin, As noted above, fruit juices in general, especially those made with tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, are best avoided altogether if you are type 2 diabetic. Anyone watching their waistline would be best advised to steer clear as well.

IMHO, drinks manufacturers should not be permitted to advertise fruit juice as counting towards your '5-a-day'. The mythical slogan reinforces the perception that their products are needed on health grounds. There are plenty of good sources of vitamin C and potassium without imbibing a sugary drink. Your average glass of unsweetened orange juice contains as much sugar as a similar serving of coke. On top of that, some brands are sweetened with added sugar!

 

[Robbity]

Years ago and well before i was T2 I was advised to avoid grapefruit (in any form (not just juice) with a certain medication which was if I remember correctly statins.

I was never told to avoid a specific juice with metformin, but I'd agree that all fruit juice is not a good idea for us, unless it's used to treat a hypo.