**1. Grapefruit: A Good Fruit for People with Diabetes?**
Grapefruit is a fruit with a very low glycemic index (GI) of about 25. It is also rich in Vitamin C and fiber, making it a good fruit for people with diabetes, provided that portion sizes are managed well. However, grapefruit is very famous for interacting with certain medications, so it’s essential to check before consumption.
**2. Beware of ‘Drug Interactions’**
Compounds in grapefruit called ‘naringin’ and ‘bergamottin’ inhibit the activity of a specific drug-metabolizing enzyme (CYP3A4) in our liver and small intestine.
– **What Happens?:** When this enzyme’s activity is inhibited, the drug is not broken down in the body and remains in the bloodstream at too high a concentration. This means the drug’s effect can become too strong, potentially causing serious side effects.
– **Affected Medications:** Dozens of drugs interact with grapefruit, including cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), some high blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers), and immunosuppressants. Some oral hypoglycemic agents may also be affected.
**3. What Should You Do?**
– **Consult Your Doctor or Pharmacist:** If you are unsure whether the medication you are taking interacts with grapefruit, you must consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming it.
– **Juice is the Same:** Not only the fresh fruit but also grapefruit juice causes the same interaction.
Summary: Grapefruit is a good low-GI fruit, but it can abnormally increase the blood concentration of certain drugs, leading to serious side effects. People with diabetes, especially those taking medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, must consult a professional before consumption.
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