Why Can't People With Diabetes Drink Cranberry Juice?

Cranberry juice is a popular beverage in the United States. The consumption of cranberry juice is not prohibited on a diabetes diet. According to the American Diabetes Association, no food or beverage is off-limits to people with diabetes based on the diagnosis of diabetes alone. However, cranberry juice is higher in sugar than other foods and beverages and should be consumed by people with diabetes with careful observance of portion size and in accordance with any medication regimen as prescribed by a physician.

Cranberry juice is available as a pure juice or as a juice cocktail. Pure cranberry juice should not contain any additional fruits or added sugars, whereas cranberry juice cocktail or juice blends often contain additional fruit juices and added sugars. Per serving, cranberry juice cocktail may contain more than twice the amount of calories and carbohydrates of pure cranberry juice. Light cranberry juice cocktails made with artificial sweeteners have entered the market that contain less sugar and calories per serving than regular cranberry juice cocktail.

The American Dietetic Association food exchange list for people with diabetes defines one serving, or exchange, of unsweetened fruit juice as equal to 1/2 cup, or 4 fluid ounces, and one serving of sweetened fruit juice and juice blends as 1/3 cup, or 2.7 fluid ounces. One serving of fruit juice contains approximately 60 calories, zero grams of fat and 15 g of carbohydrate.

Pure cranberry juice is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants that have been associated with the prevention of urinary tract infections, heart disease, and certain types of cancers. Resveratrol, an abundant antioxidant in cranberries, has received much attention from the diabetes research community for its ability to improve insulin resistance in animals with diabetes.

Cranberry juice may be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other drinks. Sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice is a healthier, low-calorie alternative for people with diabetes who enjoy the taste of cranberry juice but want to avoid its naturally rich source of sugar. Cranberry juice is also used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, including salads and desserts.