Does eating cucumbers raise blood sugar levels?
Disease description:
I have a friend who has diabetes and really wants to eat cucumbers, but we are unsure whether cucumbers affect blood sugar levels. Does eating cucumbers raise blood glucose?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Eating cucumbers generally does not cause a significant increase in blood sugar levels.
Cucumbers are considered low-glycemic-index foods. Even after consuming a certain amount of cucumbers, the sugars they contain have relatively little impact on blood glucose. Cucumbers are rich in dietary fiber, which can increase the retention time of food in the gastrointestinal tract, delay the digestion and absorption of food, thereby slowing the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, dietary fiber can promote intestinal motility and aid bowel movements, which is beneficial to overall health.
Cucumbers have a water content of up to 96%-98%. This high water content dilutes the concentration of sugars in food, reducing the sugar content per unit volume. At the same time, the large amount of water can also increase satiety and reduce the intake of other high-calorie, high-sugar foods, indirectly contributing positively to blood sugar control.
Both healthy individuals and people with diabetes should consume cucumbers in moderation to avoid excessive intake that could lead to blood sugar fluctuations. When selecting cucumbers, choose fresh ones without pesticide residues. Before consumption, wash them thoroughly, peel the skin or soak them in lightly salted water for a while to avoid health risks associated with consuming unclean cucumbers.
