In countries like Pakistan and India, summer is incomplete without the sight and taste of mangoes. Streets and markets overflow with dozens of varieties of the fruit, celebrated as the “king of fruits.” But along with this seasonal delight comes one of the most frequently asked questions in doctors’ clinics: “Doctor, can I eat mangoes if I have diabetes?”

According to Dr. Rahul Bhakshi, a physician based in Mumbai, mangoes hold a special place in South Asian diets because of their natural sweetness and wide variety. “It’s completely understandable why people love to enjoy them during the hot summer months,” he says. However, he adds, the question of mango consumption for diabetics is surrounded by misconceptions.

In India, two sharply divided opinions exist:

1. Some believe mangoes should be strictly avoided by diabetics because of their high sugar content.
2. Others argue the exact opposite—that eating mangoes in abundance can even help eliminate diabetes.

Both views, according to doctors, are misleading. Dr. Bhakshi explains that many patients often return for follow-up visits after the summer season with higher glucose readings. In many cases, mangoes are blamed for the spike in blood sugar levels, making the fruit a controversial figure in the diabetic diet debate.