A cherry a day can keep diabetes away:

http://news.newkerala.com/health-news-india/?action=fullnews&id=49198

[Health India]: Washington, Dec 21: In a new study, researchers at
Michigan State University have identified a group of naturally
occurring chemicals abundant in cherries that could help lower blood
sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Laboratory studies using animal pancreatic cells indicate that the
chemicals, called anthocyanins, increased insulin production by 50
percent. Anthocyanins are a class of plant pigments responsible for the
color of many fruits, including cherries. They also are potent
antioxidants, highly active chemicals that have been increasingly
associated with a variety of health benefits, including protection
against heart disease and cancer.

"It is possible that consumption of cherries and other fruits
containing these compounds [anthocyanins] could have a significant
impact on insulin levels in humans," study leader Muralee Nair said.

Until human studies are done on cherry anthocyanins, those with
diabetes should continue following their doctor's treatment
recommendations, including any medicine prescribed, and monitor their
insulin carefully, the researchers said.

The team tested several types of anthocyanins extracted from these
cherries against mouse pancreatic-beta cells, which normally produce
insulin, in the presence of high concentrations of glucose.Insulin is
the protein produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar
(glucose) levels.

Compared to cells that were not exposed to anthocyanins, exposed cells
were associated with a 50 percent increase in insulin levels although
the mechanism of action by which these anthocyanins boost insulin
production is not known. (ANI)