Bhubaneswar, Sep 25: Nearly 100 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes—a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be called diabetes. If ignored, it can turn into type 2 diabetes. But a new study suggests that a tropical fruit, often seen as too sugary, might actually help prevent it.

Researchers at George Mason University studied how natural sugars in fruits compare to added sugars in processed snacks. Mangoes, which contain around 32 grams of sugar, are usually avoided by people watching their sugar intake. But clinical nutrition researcher Raedeh Basiri found that mangoes may offer health benefits for people with prediabetes.

“It’s not just about how much sugar is in the food, but how it’s delivered,” Basiri explained. Mangoes contain natural sugars along with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help the body process sugar better. In contrast, added sugars in snacks like granola bars don’t offer the same benefits and may even raise diabetes risk.

In the study, participants were split into two groups. One group ate a fresh mango daily, while the other had a low-sugar granola bar. After six months, the mango group showed better blood sugar control, improved insulin response, and reduced body fat.

This research challenges the idea that all sugary foods are bad. Whole fruits like mangoes, despite their sweetness, can be part of a healthy diet—especially for those at risk of diabetes. The key is focusing on whole foods, not just sugar numbers.