Summary
Because dates are naturally sweet, many people—including healthcare providers—worry that they may worsen blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. To address this uncertainty, researchers conducted the first meta-analysis examining the effects of date fruit on glycemic markers in diabetic patients. After screening 942 references, only five eligible studies (10 cohorts) met the criteria for inclusion. Across these trials, eating dates was associated with significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (about 25 mg/dL on average) and lower postprandial glucose levels, despite differences in study design. The impact on long-term glycemic control (HbA1c) was neutral, showing no worsening but also no clear improvement. While the analysis suggests that dates can be safely incorporated into the diets of people with diabetes—and may even modestly improve short-term glucose measures—the small number of studies and substantial heterogeneity highlight the need for more rigorous, standardized trials. Overall, the findings support the idea that moderate date consumption does not harm glycemic control and may offer benefits for fasting and post-meal blood glucose.
PMID: 34290813
PMCID: PMC8281151
DOI: 10.12669/pjms.37.4.4112
Abstract
Background & objective
Dates fruit is known for its great nutritional value and two to three servings of dates fruit/day are beneficial for patients with diabetes. However, some may advice against this cheap and widely available fruit consumption. Besides, 12% of the population Worldwide are either suffering or are at risk of developing diabetes, but no previous meta-analysis has assessed this important issue. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the effects of date's fruit on glycemia among patients with diabetes.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases for trials published in English from the first published article up to December 2020. The following keywords were used: "dates fruit and glycemic control", "dates fruit and blood glucose", "dates fruit and HbA1c " without limitations regarding the date of publication.
Results
Out of the 942 references identified, only 10 cohorts from five full texts were included, a reduction of Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), odd ratio, -24.79, 95% CI=-34.75, -14.83 P =0.002. I2 for heterogeneity=79%, P <0.00001 and postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG), odd ratio -28.19, 95% CI=-60.66-4.29, P =<0.0001. I2 for heterogeneity=92%, P=0.09) was observed. While the effect on HbA1c was neutral, odd ratio, -.20, 95% CI=-.46 -.06, P=0.13. I2 for heterogeneity=0. %, P=0.55.
Conclusion
Dates fruit was beneficial regarding glycemic control among patients with diabetes, physician may not need to restrict its use among patients with diabetes. The small number of the included studies and the heterogeneity observed in PPPG and FPG sub-analysis limited the current results. Further trials assessing the glycemic indices of various types of dates fruit are needed.
Mirghani HO. Dates fruits effects on blood glucose among patients with diabetes mellitus: A review and meta-analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2021 Jul-Aug;37(4):1230-1236. doi: 10.12669/pjms.37.4.4112. PMID: 34290813; PMCID: PMC8281151.