Cranberry Juice & Diabetes

Cranberries, native to North America, are similar to blueberries. They belong to the same genus, and both require acidic soil to thrive. Cranberry juice is most widely known as a natural treatment or prevention strategy for urinary-tract infections. Cranberries' other medicinal qualities, including some that pertain to diabetes, have been recognized in recent years, resulting in greatly increased demand.

Anti-oxidants

The cranberry's high anti-oxidant content contributes to its disease-fighting attributes, according to Iris F. F. Benzie, editor of "Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects." The anti-oxidant content is among the highest found in fruits, and it can greatly benefit diabetes, which is associated with high levels of oxidative stress. Cranberry juice can also protect against atherosclerosis, a common complication of diabetes. Cranberry powder has been found to lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and raise levels of high-density lipoprotein, the good form of cholesterol, though it may not improve blood-sugar control.

Bladder Infections

In elderly diabetics, bladder control may arise because of damage to the nerves that control the bladder. This can lead to bladder infections, says Trisha Dunning, registered nurse and author of "Nursing Care of Older People with Diabetes." Cranberry juice is useful in reducing the frequency of bladder infections, though not in alleviating established infections. If juice is not an option, cranberry capsules and tablets can also be taken.

Blood Sugar

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, found that cranberry powder shows potential for use in blood-sugar management in diabetics. In the study, juice made from cranberry powder inhibited the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates by as much as 40 percent. Cranberry also inhibited an enzyme that raises blood pressure and affects heart and blood vessel function. The study was published in the October 2010 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food."

Cholesterol

Cranberry reduces cholesterol and heart-disease risk in diabetics, according to a study published in the December 2008 issue of the journal "Diabetic Medicine." In the 12-week placebo-controlled double-blind study, levels of LDL cholesterol decreased measurably.

Considerations

Cranberries are naturally tart, and most cranberry juices are sweetened to make them palatable. This can cause dangerous blood-sugar spikes. If you have diabetes, this is an important consideration. As an option, unsweetened cranberry juice concentrates are available and can by mixed into foods or beverages. The American Diabetes Association lists 1/2 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice as one serving of fruit, containing 16 g of sugar, on the diabetic food exchange.