Can diabetics eat cucumbers? What are the benefits of cucumbers for diabetes? Check the glycemic index and health benefits of cucumbers for diabetic patients.

Cucumber Nutrition

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are part of the same family as squashes and melons. Commercially, cucumbers are cultivated in two main forms: slicing cucumbers for fresh consumption and pickling cucumbers for processing into pickles. Cucumbers offer numerous health benefits and are considered good for diabetes.

Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants, particularly in their skin. These antioxidants help the body process and eliminate free radicals, which can reduce the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Cucumbers also contain the mineral potassium, which aids in kidney function, cell communication, and muscle contraction. Lacking potassium can lead to issues with heart function and blood pressure.

In addition to potassium and antioxidants, cucumbers contain significant amounts of the following nutrients:

• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Folate
• Choline
• Vitamin K
• Beta-carotene

Nutrient Breakdown of Cucumbers

A half-cup serving of cucumbers contains:

• Calories: 8
• Carbs: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Fat: Less than 1 g
• Fiber: Less than 1 g
• Protein: Less than 1 g

Portion Sizes for Diabetics

Since cucumbers are low in calories, it’s difficult to consume them in excess, which can be beneficial for weight loss. However, consuming any food in excess may cause discomfort. Consuming too many cucumbers may result in stomach pain or gastrointestinal problems. It’s generally recommended to consume a few ounces of cucumber at a time to avoid stomach issues.

Glycemic Index of Cucumbers

While it’s uncertain whether cucumbers can directly lower blood glucose levels, low-carbohydrate vegetables like cucumbers offer many other benefits. Cucumbers have a very low glycemic index (GI) score, indicating they do not significantly raise blood glucose levels.

The glycemic index measures the effect that the carbohydrates in a food have on blood glucose levels. Glucose has a GI of 100. According to the Glycemic Index Foundation, a GI of less than 55 means a food has a low effect on blood glucose, while a GI over 70 indicates a high effect.

The glycemic index of cucumbers is 15, which is extremely low. This is because cucumbers are non-starchy vegetables, meaning they contain very few carbohydrates. This is particularly beneficial for diabetic patients, as consuming carbohydrates can increase blood glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) strongly recommends consuming non-starchy vegetables, which are the one food group diabetic patients can consume without limitation.

Cucumber Sugar and Fiber Content

Another reason why low-carbohydrate, non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers are great for diabetic patients is their high fiber content. Fiber slows the body’s ability to absorb sugar, leading to reduced blood glucose levels. It is recommended that non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers be a staple in the diets of those with high blood glucose levels.

One cucumber (with skin) contains approximately 1.5 g of fiber, which is around 6% of the daily value. The fiber content in cucumbers and other non-starchy vegetables can also contribute to a feeling of fullness, which may help prevent prediabetic or type 2 diabetic individuals from consuming excess calories and gaining weight, which can worsen their condition.

Moreover, the sugar content in cucumbers is relatively low, with one whole cucumber containing around 5 g of sugar. Cucumbers are also a complete source of potassium and vitamin C while being low in calories, with one whole cucumber containing approximately 45 calories.

Cucumbers and Diabetes

Can diabetic patients eat cucumbers? Yes, if you have diabetes, you can consume cucumbers. As they are low in carbs, you can have as many as you’d like at any time.

The ADA considers cucumbers a non-starchy vegetable, which are the “one food group where you can eat as much as you want.” A study has even suggested that a low-calorie meal plan with non-starchy vegetables may be effective in reversing type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of Cucumbers for Diabetes

Cucumbers are an excellent fruit (yes, fruit!) for diabetic patients to consume due to their high fiber and low-calorie content. The fiber in cucumbers can help regulate blood glucose levels, while their low-calorie nature makes them a filling and guilt-free snack option.

Additionally, the potassium and antioxidants in cucumbers offer other health benefits that can be particularly advantageous for those with diabetes. Incorporating cucumbers into the diet of diabetic patients is a simple and effective way to manage the condition and improve overall health.

Cucumber For Diabetes | Check glycemic Index and Health Benefits

Last updated on September 9th, 2022

Cucumbers ( Cucumis sativus ) fall under a similar family as squashes or melons. Commercially cultivated cucumbers classically fall under 2 forms i.e., slicing cucumbers (for fresh intake) and pickling cucumbers (for getting processed into pickles). It also has immense health benefits and cucumber is good for diabetes.

Table of Contents

Cucumber Nutrition

Cucumber is rich in antioxidants, chiefly in their skin. These substances aid a person’s body process and get rid of free radicals. This helps in reducing the risk of medical problems such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, or cancer.

In addition, cucumber contains the mineral potassium. It aids in renal working, communication of body cells, and contraction of muscles. In the absence of potassium, a person might observe issues related to cardiac working and blood pressure.

Besides potassium and antioxidants, cucumber contains rich amounts of:

• Zinc
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Folate
• Choline
• Vitamin K
• Beta-carotene

Also Read: C Reactive Protein Normal Range Chart 

Nutrients Per Serving

Half a cup serving of cucumber consists of:

• Calories: 8
• Carbs: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Fat: below 1 g
• Fiber: below 1 g
• Protein: below 1 g

Portion Sizes

As cucumber contains fewer calories, it’s difficult to consume in excess when the topic of weight loss comes. Yet, consuming an excess of anything may create uneasiness. Consuming cucumber in excess may result in stomach pain or GI problems. On the whole, it’s good to consume some ounces of cucumber at a time to avoid stomach problems.

Summary

Cucumber contains phytochemicals with defensive or disease preventive properties. These phytocompounds can be flavonoids, lignans, and triterpenes.

Also Read: HbA1c Test, Levels, and Normal Range

Glycemic Index of Cucumber

Even if, it is presently uncertain whether cucumbers may reduce the levels of blood glucose, low-carbohydrate vegetables contain many other benefits. Cucumbers contain a very low GI score, which indicates they fail to add to high blood glucose levels.

In explanatory terms, the GI assesses the effect the carbohydrates present in a particular food product would exert on the blood glucose levels. Glucose contains a glycemic index of 100. As per the Glycemic Index Foundation, a glycemic index of less than 55 shows that a food product would exert less effect on blood glucose levels. Also, a glycemic index of more than 70 indicates that a food product would create a higher (or possibly poor) effect on glucose levels.

The cucumber glycemic index is 15, which is very low. This is due to the reason that cucumbers are non-starchy veggies. This indicates that they comprise slight or no carbs. This is significant for diabetic patients as the consumption of carbohydrates increases normal blood glucose levels. The ADA strongly promotes the consumption of too many non-starchy foods. And, this is the food group that diabetic patients don’t require to consume within limits.

Also Read: Symptoms of Diabetes

Cucumber Sugar Content and Fiber Content

Another reason low-carbohydrate, non-starchy vegetables are great for diabetic patients is their high fiber content. Fiber delays the body’s capability to absorb sugar. This causes reduced blood glucose levels. It is also recommended that non-starchy veggies such as cucumbers work great for regular high blood glucose levels.

It’s all about the fiber content. Thus, cucumbers offer the utmost health benefits for diabetic patients. One cucumber (skin intact) contains nearly 1.5 g of fiber, which is around 6% of the daily value.

The fiber content of cucumbers or other non-starchy veggies adds to a sensation of fullness. This might aid in preventing prediabetics or type 2 diabetics from consuming excessive calories and gaining weight. And, this might worsen the condition.

Moreover, the sugar in cucumber is pretty less i.e., one whole cucumber packs at least 5 g of sugar. In addition, the low-carbohydrate vegetable is a complete source of potassium and vitamin C and contains fewer calories. One whole cucumber contains around 45 calories.

Also Read: Is Makhana Good For Diabetes?

Cucumber for Diabetes

Is cucumber good for diabetic patients? Yes, if a person is diabetic, he or she may consume cucumbers. As they contain fewer carbs, a person may have as many as he or she wishes to consume at any time as well.

The ADA considers cucumber a non-starchy veggie, the “one food group where a person can please his or her appetite. A study even proposed that a low-calorie meal plan with non-starchy veggies may be efficacious in reversing type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of Cucumber for Diabetes

Cucumber contains rich amounts of fiber and lesser calories. This makes it an excellent fruit to consume by diabetics to regulate their glucose levels.

• Packs antioxidants
• Improves the production of insulin
• Lowers the risks of kidney stones
• Helps in weight loss
• Reduces the levels of blood sugar and blood pressure
• Keeps a person hydrated

Also Read: Triglycerides Test, Levels and Normal Range

Cucumber and Diabetes Research Support

Research studies relating cucumber extracts to reduced blood sugars exist, however they’re very less. More studies are essential.

A study observed that diabetic rats had a reduced blood glucose level after a 9-day diet of cucumber seed extract. Another study found that the phytonutrients present in cucumber are associated with blood glucose-lowering effects in diabetic rats. Another study established that cucumber pulp might be utilized successfully for treating or managing diabetes in rats. These research studies made use of cucumber extracts. There’s no data those whole cucumbers might offer similar advantages.

Also Read: Yoga Asanas For Diabetes

Health Benefits of Cucumber

The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals present in cucumber offer important health benefits. For instance, cucumber skin packs beta-carotene, which provides cucumber its rich green color. The carotene family of pigments is significant provitamin. A person’s body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A. It is a crucial vitamin for maintaining the health of the eyes and skin.

Other cucumber benefits can be:

Packs Antioxidants

Cucumbers pack nutrients that work as antioxidants. These antioxidants might exert strong effects, as per a few studies. One such study confirmed the power of cucumber powder and established that including cucumber in a meal plan considerably augments the antioxidant activity of a person’s body. It is found that cucumber root is a safe way of receiving more dietary antioxidants effortlessly.

Cucumber For Weight Loss

Cucumber contains much fewer calories. A whole cucumber usually said as being 8.25 inches long or 300 g, contains only 45 calories. Cucumbers contain more than 96% water, hence they’re filling and nourishing but not calorie-packed. This low-calorie, high-water blend works well in weight loss. Research indicates that consuming food products with low energy density, or few calories per gram, is associated with weight management in obese individuals. Cucumbers are another name for food having a low energy density. Thus, including cucumbers in a diet might aid in maintaining or lowering a person’s weight.

Also Read: Best Home Remedies to Control Blood Sugar Levels

Cucumber for Lower Blood Glucose Levels

To conclude, cucumbers contain fewer carbs, hence they might be a good alternative for diabetic patients. Early trials propose that kheera is one of the successful plants for lowering glucose levels and also reducing hypoglycemia risk when glucose levels go too low. For diabetics, cucumber might be a useful inclusion in their meals to moderate their glucose levels efficiently.

Low-Carbohydrate Options for Diabetics

Below are listed some of the low-carb foods for diabetics:

Broccoli

It’s super low in carbohydrates and packs vitamins A, C, and K. In addition, cucumber packs fiber and iron. People must search for florets that are firmly packed together and are dark green in color.

Spinach

It contains rich amounts of vitamin K, beta-carotene, and folate. All of this work great for people with high blood sugar. People toss them into their bowls full of curries, salads, or soups.

Also Read: Indian Diet Plan For Diabetes Type 2

Tomatoes

Tomatoes pack vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. They are low-calorie and low-carb alternatives.

Also Read: Reverse your Diabetes Within 30 Days

Cauliflower

Another low-carb vegetable, cauliflower might be a benefit to a diabetes diet. It contains fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and folate. All of these are useful for people with diabetes.

Also Read: Benefits of Sabja Seeds

How to have Cucumber in Diabetes?

Cucumber Drink

Peel a fresh, green cucumber and slice it into little pieces. Then, add these kheera slices into a juicer or blender, and mix some water, salt, and sugar as per taste. After that, transfer the drink into a mesh and add ice to augment the taste.

Kheera salad

Cut down a freshly peeled cucumber into very small pieces. After that, combine it with some chopped fruits and veggies as per choice. Add some sauces or spices to give the salad an exceptional flavor.

Cucumber Raita

Mix a spoonful of salt, sugar, and pepper into a freshly prepared curd. After that, add a pinch of roasted cumin seeds. Combine everything nicely and include some grated kheera to make the Raita.

Also Read: Can Diabetics Eat Jaggery?

Best Time to Eat Cucumber for Diabetics

The best time to have kheera is prior to lunch (nearly 15 minutes before). Also, it is recommended not to have cucumber at night as it comprises large quantities of water. And, this might interrupt a person’s digestion while he or she is asleep. Moreover, a person may have cucumber for breakfast or evening snacks.

Also Read: Watermelon For Diabetes

What are the Risks of the Over-Consumption of Cucumbers in Diabetics?

Having too many cucumbers might result in hypersensitivity, weak digestion, toxicity, and blood clotting.

• Too much intake of cucumber might delay the process of digestion. This may cause indigestion.
• High Vitamin K content present in cucumbers can result in blood clotting.
• Might result in allergies.

Summary

Even if, more studies are required to determine whether cucumbers can be an effective treatment for people with high blood sugars, they’re a nourishing veggie that people may eat freely in their diabetic-friendly diet. They must discuss with their healthcare providers a diet that may aid in managing their blood sugars.

Also Read: Homeopathic Medicines For Diabetes

FAQs:

Is raw cucumber effective for anyone?

Raw cucumber is high in useful nutrients, antioxidants, and various plant compounds. All of them aid in treating or even preventing some health problems. Moreover, cucumbers contain fewer calories, a good quantity of water, and soluble fiber. This makes cucumber an ideal vegetable for supporting hydration and helping in weight management.

Is it good to have cucumber in a fasting state?

The high quantities of tannic acid would cause acidity that would cause gastric ulcers. Even, kheera is difficult to get digested in a fasting state. Hence, always avoid raw veggies and make a salad later in the day.

What occurs if a person consumes too many cucumbers?

Cucurbitacin causes a bitter taste. In addition, this is why people experience acidity or indigestion. These uneasy signs may take place if you consume an excess of cucumbers at a time.

Who must avoid the consumption of cucumber?

Cucumber is not a friendly snack for individuals with sensitive stomachs. It comprises a constituent known as cucurbitacin. It is a strong constituent famous for resulting in indigestion issues.

References

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-cucumber-good-for-diabetes
2. https://www.ndtv.com/food/diabetes-eating-cucumber-regularly-may-help-reduce-blood-sugar-levels-1884961
3. https://defeatdiabetes.org/resources/healthful-eating/vegetables/cucumber/
4. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cucumber#1

Last Updated on September 9, 2022 by Dr. Damanjit Duggal 

Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Health Benefits
• Nutrition
• How to Prepare Cucumber

from the WebMD Ingredients Guide

Serving Size 1 Each (301 g)

Calories 45

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0 g

0%

Saturated Fat 0 g

0%

Trans Fat 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

0%

Sodium 6 mg

0%

Potassium 0 mg

0%

Total Carbohydrate 11 g

4%

Dietary Fiber 2 g

7%

Sugar 5 g

Protein 2 g

4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

• Vitamin C 9%
• Iron 6%
• Vitamin B6 0%
• Magnesium 0%
• Calcium 4%
• Vitamin D 0%
• Cobalamin 0%
• Vitamin A 6%

Cucumbers are refreshing, juicy members in the gourd family that are popular in summer dishes and salads around the world. Cucumbers thrive in warm temperatures, making them a common addition to summertime gardens. Their mild flavor makes them easy to add to many dishes without affecting the flavor of the food, which makes cucumbers an easy way to add bulk to smaller meals. Cucumbers can also be pickled, and they pick up the flavor of the brine better than almost any other green thing. Cucumbers are technically considered berries, not vegetables. However, their green skin still offers some significant health benefits, as does the rest of the cucumber. 

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in cucumber provide significant health benefits. For example, cucumber skin is full of beta-carotene, which is part of the reason for its rich green color. The carotene family of pigments are important provitamins. Your body can convert beta-carotenes into vitamin A, which is a critical vitamin for keeping your eyes and skin healthy. 

Other health benefits of cucumber include:

May Aid Weight Management

Cucumber is a super-low calorie food. An entire cucumber, generally defined as being 8.25 inches long or 300 grams, only has 45 calories. Cucumbers are more than 96% water, so they’re filling and nutritious but not calorie-dense. This high-water, low-calorie combination is great for weight management. Studies have shown that eating foods with low energy density, or few calories per gram, is connected with weight loss in people who are obese. Cucumbers are the very definition of a food with a low energy density, so adding them to your diet may help you maintain or reduce your weight.

Rich in Antioxidants

Cucumbers are full of nutrients that act as antioxidants. These antioxidants may have particularly powerful effects, according to some studies. One such study tested the power of cucumber powder and found that adding cucumber to the diet significantly increases the amount of antioxidant activity in the body. While more studies should be done, cucumber root is a safe way to get more dietary antioxidants easily.

May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Finally, cucumbers are low in carbohydrates, so they can be a good option for people with elevated blood sugar levels. Early trials suggest that cucumber is one of the most effective plants for not only reducing blood sugar levels but also lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during a blood sugar drop. For people with diabetes, cucumber may be a helpful addition to their diet to moderate blood sugar levels more effectively.

Cucumbers are full of antioxidants, particularly in their skin. These compounds help your body process and remove free radicals, which lowers your risk of health conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.  

Cucumber is also rich in the mineral potassium. This mineral helps your nerves fire, your cells communicate, your muscles contract, and your kidneys function. Without enough potassium, you may start to notice problems with your blood pressure and heart function.

In addition to antioxidants and potassium, cucumber is an excellent source of:

• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Folate 
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Choline

Nutrients per Serving 

A 1/2-cup serving of cucumber contains:

• Calories: 8
• Protein: Less than 1 gram
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fiber: Less than 1 gram
• Sugar: 1 gram

Portion Sizes

Because cucumber is so low in calories, it’s hard to eat too much when it comes to weight management. However, eating too much of anything can cause discomfort. Eating large amounts of cucumber in one sitting may lead to stomach pain or distress. In general, it’s best to eat a few ounces of cucumber at a time to prevent stomach discomfort.

Cucumber is a versatile food. It’s easily found in grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and health food stores around the country all year long, though it may be less expensive during the summer when it’s in season. 

Cucumbers are most frequently eaten raw. Their high water content can cause strange results when they are incorporated into cooked dishes. As a result, cucumbers are most commonly eaten cold. Here are a few ways to incorporate this refreshing plant into your diet.

• Sprinkle sliced cucumbers with salt as a snack.
• Eat a small cucumber on its own.
• Add cucumber slices to water.
• Include cucumbers in salads.
• Make your own pickles.
• Add cucumbers to sandwiches.
• Throw cucumber slices into smoothies.

Top Picks

Named a vegetable that lowers blood sugar in 30 minutes

07:50, February 9, 2022

Experts talked about the benefits of cucumbers in diabetes.

Specialists told about the unexpected useful properties of cucumber. It turns out that eating this vegetable helps to reduce sugar, so it is useful for people with type 2 diabetes, reports Medic Forum.

Experts recommend eating cucumbers daily to reduce blood sugar and also to regulate its level in case of hypoglycemia.

Cucumbers are low in carbohydrates, so they are good for people with high blood sugar levels, experts explained.

In addition, studies have shown that cucumber is one of the most effective herbs not only for lowering blood sugar, but also for reducing the risk of hypoglycemia during a drop in blood sugar.

Cucumbers have a low glycemic index and can lower blood sugar levels in as little as 30 minutes from the time they are eaten.

Author: Snezhana Shakhova

• Diabetes
• cucumbers
• nutrition

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Is it possible to pickle cucumbers in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Many diabetic patients are afraid to eat pickled and canned vegetables, without thinking about whether they are really harmful. Pickled cucumbers for metabolic disorders are not contraindicated. However, if the patient suffers from hypertension that has developed against the background of endocrine pathology, such food will have to be excluded.

Composition

Pickled cucumbers are part of the diet of many people. They are used as an independent product or added to salads, soups, and other dishes. To understand whether these vegetables are allowed for diabetics, it will turn out if we turn to the chemical composition. The amount of substances of interest to us in a salty and fresh product is practically the same:

• proteins 0.8 g;
• fats 0.1;
• carbohydrates 1.7.

Calories – 11 kcal. The glycemic index is 15, the number of bread units is 0.17. These data should be guided if sugar was not used in the processing of vegetables.

It is not worth refusing to use pickles, because they are a source of:

• sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus;
• vitamins A, C, PP, E, group B;
• fiber;
• lactic acid, which is formed during fermentation;
• antioxidants.

Diabetics are allowed to eat cucumbers. They do not affect blood sugar levels. When compiling a diet, it must be remembered that for some diseases it is better to refuse such food.

The taste of pickles depends on the spices used. Housewives can add horseradish, dill, black pepper, currant leaves or cherries. There are 2 ways to harvest vegetables. Some preserve them in jars with airtight lids. Others prefer to marinate in barrels. However, these additives and processing method will not significantly affect the composition, calorie content, glycemic index.

Diabetics are also allowed to include the Mexican variety (chayote) in their diet. It contains:

• proteins – 0.8 g;
• fats – 0.1;
• carbohydrates – 2.8.

Calorie content is 19 kcal. Glycemic index – 50. The level of bread units – 2.2.

Due to their beneficial properties and unique composition, Mexican cucumbers are recommended to be included in the diet in small quantities for diabetics. Fiber, aspartic acid, which are contained in chayote, contribute to the normalization of the pancreas. As a result, the concentration of sugar can be normalized.

Pickled cucumbers for diabetics

Patients with endocrine disorders should consult a physician when formulating a diet. Canned vegetables that have not been processed with sugar can be safely included in the menu.

However, salty foods retain fluid in the body. As a result, patients develop edema, and blood pressure may increase. If a person does not have a tendency to hypertension, it is not necessary to limit the consumption of canned, pickled products.

Benefits

In type 2 diabetes, pickles can have a positive effect on the body. When they are consumed, lactic acid enters the gastrointestinal tract. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system, improving its microflora. When the substance enters, the growth of beneficial bacteria is also stimulated.

Cucumbers contain fiber, which improves intestinal motility, activates the production of gastric juice, increases appetite.

Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system. It stimulates the body’s resistance to pathogens of infectious diseases. Vitamin E is essential for strengthening nails and hair.

Daily use of pickles helps to get rid of iodine deficiency. However, diabetics should not eat them in excessive amounts. A day is advised to eat no more than 2-3 vegetables.

When drinking alcoholic beverages, preparations are recommended to be used as a snack. Pickled cucumbers are able to neutralize alcohol toxins.

Harm

Doctors do not recommend abusing canned vegetables, because they provoke fluid retention in the body. Acetic acid, which is part of pickled cucumbers, negatively affects tooth enamel.

Do not include canned vegetables in the diet for:

• cholelithiasis;
• atherosclerosis;
• pyelonephritis;
• hypertension;
• obesity.

Overweight patients are not recommended to eat cucumbers because they provoke edema and improve appetite.

For gestational diabetes

Gynecologists do not advise expectant mothers to include canned food in their diet because of the high amount of salt in the composition. The use of pickled vegetables provokes the appearance of edema. This increases the load on the kidneys, which work in an enhanced mode during the period of bearing a child. However, from 1-2 pieces there will be no harm.

In gestational diabetes, doctors do not prohibit the inclusion of pickles in the diet. It is important to observe the measure so as not to increase the burden on the kidneys. This product does not affect the level of sugar.

On a low carbohydrate diet

It is acceptable to include pickles in the diet of patients with diabetes. Many people with metabolic disorders are advised by endocrinologists to focus on foods that contain a small amount of carbohydrates. With such nutrition, it is possible to minimize the likelihood of a sharp rise in blood sugar.

Pickles do not affect glucose levels. They are allowed for diabetics who adhere to low-carbohydrate diets, because neither cucumbers nor salt increase glucose.

By reducing the intake of carbohydrates, sugar stabilization can be achieved. Such control helps to prevent the development of many complications of diabetes. Patients who adhere to the principles of low-carbohydrate nutrition will not have to face a deterioration in the condition of blood vessels, kidneys, skin, and the nervous system.

Caution should be exercised when consuming pickled cucumbers due to the fact that they lead to edema. This increases the load on the urinary system of the body. Diabetes increases the risk of kidney failure. Therefore, canned vegetables are best eaten in limited quantities.

Methods of preparation

Diabetics should only use recipes that do not contain sugar when salting. For processing, it is better to choose small cucumbers up to 10–12 cm long. They should have a dark green peel, pronounced tuberosity, dense pulp without voids.