Daily Strawberry Intake Can Lower Blood Sugar and Prevent Prediabetes Naturally

Prediabetes is a silent but significant warning sign - your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not in the diabetic range. After being diagnosed, it can quickly progress to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic condition that affects how your body uses glucose (1^✔).

At this stage, dietary changes and lifestyle habits can make a big difference. Researchers are currently discovering that antioxidant-containing foods may help to decimate oxidative stress and inflammation – two causes and effects of prediabetes and insulin resistance. A recent clinical study conducted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) revealed that giving prediabetic people a daily dose of freeze-dried strawberries may improve their blood sugar levels, strengthen their antioxidant defences, and reduce inflammation.

Blood Sugar Fix With Strawberry?

This study, which was published in Nutrients (2025), was proven through a randomised controlled crossover trial, and it was conducted over 28 weeks on 25 adults with prediabetes. The participants underwent two phases of trial, 12 weeks each:

• Intervention phase: Took 32 grams a day (approximately 2.5 portions) of freeze-dried strawberry (FDS) powder in water, ingested in two doses.
• Control phase: Continuation of the previous diet and lifestyle without strawberry supplement.

To prevent the carryover effect, a 4-week washout period was introduced between the two phases to normalise the systems of the participants. During the course of the study, researchers measured:

• Blood glucose level on fasting.
• Oxidation product levels (like hydroxyl radical, superoxide, hydroxyl radical, hydroxyl radical and hydroxyl radical)
• The total antioxidant capacity (AC)
• Vascular inflammation (ICAM, VCAM, and selectin) markers.

More than 85% of the participants completed the study, demonstrating good compliance. Detectable levels of ellagic acid, a crucial strawberry compound, during plasma analysis verified the participants' strawberry intake.

Results of Strawberry Intake: Antioxidant Boost and Better Blood Sugar Control!

When compared to the control period, the 12-week strawberry supplementation period significantly improved the participants' blood glucose levels and antioxidant status. The researchers were able to notice improved levels of the following:

• Superoxide dismutase (SOD), which helps combat harmful free radicals.
• Glutathione (GSH), a powerful antioxidant that maintains the redox balance.
• Total antioxidant capacity (AC), which is the measure of the body's overall ability to combat oxidative stress.
• Beta-carotene, an antioxidant associated with improved metabolism.

Moreover, the fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the strawberry group, indicating that regular strawberry consumption can be helpful in keeping the blood sugar stable and increasing insulin responses. All these responses with strawberry consumption signify an enhanced internal antioxidant defence mechanism, which is a vital measure towards preventing the process of prediabetic to diabetic.

Strawberry Promoted A Heart-Healthy Effect

Pre-diabetes does not only predispose glucose but also damages blood vessels, predisposing a person to heart disease and stroke. Persistent chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the accumulation of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) like ICAM and VCAM, which result in the attachment of white blood cells to the vessel walls, and this leads to atherosclerosis.

The UNLV research established that strawberry supplementation was very effective in reducing the levels of ICAM and VCAM, which are important inflammatory indicators of the vascular system. It indicates that (possibly) strawberries can be beneficial in preventing the oxidation damage of blood vessels, making the arteries more flexible and lowering the chances of heart-related issues.

Interestingly, although there were no significant changes in the selectin levels (E- and P-selectin), the decrease in ICAM and VCAM remains clinically relevant since these molecules have stronger associations with early endothelial dysfunction, which is one of the cardiovascular risk factors in prediabetes.

Why Strawberries Work So Well Against Prediabetes

Not only is strawberry a low-calorie fruit that tastes delicious, but it also contains bioactive compounds that are actively involved in enhancing health. The valuable bioactive compounds in strawberries are:

• Polyphenols and anthocyanins: Give strawberries their red colour and their potent antioxidant action.
• Ellagic acid: This is used to prevent inflammation and safeguard the insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
• Flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids: Enhance endothelial performance and minimise oxidative stress.
• Dietary fibre: Helps to supplement the digestion and prevent surges of blood sugar levels after meals.

These compounds together can stimulate Nrf2, which is a major transcription factor that stimulates natural antioxidant enzymes in the body. This is beneficial in enabling the body to synthesise increased glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). As previous research has shown, these benefits are not limited to test-tube outcomes; both human and animal studies have shown that strawberries enhance insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and even the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota—all of which are critical for metabolic health!

Side Effects From Strawberry Consumption?

The side effects were minimal. Only two participants had complained of mild stomach aches and one headache. There were no significant alterations in blood sugar levels or health problems detected, and strawberries can be considered safe and well-tolerated even among people with prediabetes.

This study adds to the growing evidence that strawberries are more than just a tasty fruit — they’re a powerful ally against metabolic disease.

Two to three portions a day of strawberries may prevent or, at least, slow down the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes by improving antioxidant status, reducing inflammation and assisting glucose control.

“A dietary-achievable dose of strawberries may support metabolic health in adults with prediabetes,” the researchers conclude. So, next time you’re looking for a snack that satisfies your sweet tooth and supports your health, reach for strawberries, which are nature’s own antioxidant medicine!

Reference:

* Strawberries Improve Insulin Resistance and Related Cardiometabolic Markers in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40250566/)

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