"A person with diabetes can eat mangoes... but never with a meal and ideally with nuts and seeds," says renowned dietician Sheryl Salis in a practical conversation with Dr. P.C. Manoria at the World Congress Cardio Kidney Metabolic (WC CKM) Medicine 2026.
This interview tackles the most common dietary myths in diabetes management, providing evidence-based guidance on fruits, jaggery vs. sugar, the role of millets, and the truth about dairy consumption.
Top 5 Takeaways:
1 The Mango Protocol: Diabetics can enjoy mangoes in moderation (one medium size) if consumed as a snack with nuts/seeds—never as a juice or with a main meal.
2 Jaggery is Not "Safe" Sugar: Jaggery and white sugar have identical calorie and carb counts; replacing one with the other will still cause blood glucose spikes.
3 The Millet Nuance: Unpolished millets (Barnyard, Foxtail, Bajra) are superior to rice, but high-glycemic preparations like Ragi porridge should be avoided.
4 Pairing for Stability: Always pair fruits with proteins/fats (nuts and seeds) to slow down glucose absorption and maintain stable energy levels.
5 Probiotic Advantage: While skim milk is acceptable, yogurt (dahi) is specifically noted for being cardio-friendly and potentially reducing diabetes risk.
Sheryl Salis is a renowned Registered Dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Founder of Nurture Health Solutions. She is a leading expert in medical nutrition therapy and metabolic health.
Dr. P.C. Manoria is the Executive President for the World Congress Cardio Kidney Metabolic (WC CKM) Medicine and a distinguished cardiologist based in Mumbai.