Is celery juice good for diabetes?

December 20, 2025 •

5 min read

A small 2018 study observed that celery leaf extract helped lower blood sugar levels in elderly prediabetics. This raises an important question for many individuals: is celery juice good for diabetes, and is it a safe and effective drink for managing the condition?

Quick Summary

Celery juice offers potential benefits for blood sugar control due to its low glycemic nature and specific phytochemicals, but risks exist due to fiber loss and concentrated natural sugars.

Key Points

Whole Celery is Preferred: Consuming whole celery provides beneficial fiber, which is removed during juicing, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Juicing Concentrates Sugar: The juicing process removes fiber while concentrating natural sugars, which can lead to faster sugar absorption and potential spikes in blood glucose.
Contains Beneficial Compounds: Celery contains antioxidants and phytochemicals like apigenin, which may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, according to some studies.
Potential for Medication Interaction: The high Vitamin K content in celery can interact with blood-thinning medications, so medical consultation is crucial.
Consider Moderation: If drinking celery juice, consume it in moderation and as part of a balanced meal containing protein and fat to help regulate blood sugar response.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: It is vital to discuss adding celery juice or any other dietary supplement to your routine with a doctor or registered dietitian, especially for managing a condition like diabetes.

The Difference Between Whole Celery and Celery Juice

While both whole celery and its juiced form come from the same plant, they differ significantly in their nutritional impact, particularly for someone managing diabetes. Whole celery is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. The fiber slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, preventing the sharp blood sugar spikes that can be dangerous for diabetics. A single cup of chopped, raw celery contains 1.6 grams of fiber and only 1.85 grams of natural sugar. When celery is juiced, however, most of this beneficial fiber is removed along with the pulp, leaving behind a liquid with a higher concentration of natural sugars. To make a standard glass of juice, you typically need several stalks of celery, meaning the total carbohydrate and sugar content, though still relatively low, is higher per serving than eating a single stalk. This rapid absorption of sugar without the buffer of fiber can be problematic for managing blood glucose.

Potential Benefits of Celery Juice for Diabetes

Despite the drawbacks of removing fiber, celery juice still offers several potential health benefits, primarily from the vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals it contains. It's not a cure or a replacement for conventional diabetes management, but it may have a supportive role.

Low Glycemic Index and Nutrient Profile

Celery itself has a very low glycemic index (GI), with some sources even citing a GI of zero. This means that the sugar it contains has a minimal impact on blood glucose levels. While juicing concentrates the natural sugars, the overall glycemic load remains relatively low compared to many other fruit juices. Celery is also packed with nutrients like potassium, calcium, and Vitamins C and K, which are important for overall health and may support diabetes management indirectly.

Phytonutrients and Antioxidants

Celery contains a variety of beneficial plant compounds. A 2018 study on elderly prediabetics, for instance, showed a reduction in blood sugar levels after consuming celery leaf extract. This effect is believed to be linked to phytochemicals like apigenin, which have been studied for their potential to help improve insulin resistance and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of celery may also help reduce inflammation, a known risk factor for diabetes-related complications.

Hydration and Cardiovascular Health

With a water content of approximately 95%, celery juice is an excellent way to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is crucial for overall health and can help regulate blood volume and support kidney function, which is particularly important for individuals with diabetes. Celery also contains compounds like phthalides, which have been shown in some studies to help relax blood vessel muscles and lower blood pressure, potentially offering a benefit for diabetics who often face a higher risk of heart disease. However, it's important to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you are on blood pressure medication. An authoritative source for additional research is the Frontiers in Nutrition journal: Effects of celery on cardiometabolic parameters.

Risks and Considerations for Diabetics

While the potential benefits are notable, it is essential for people with diabetes to be aware of the risks and considerations associated with celery juice.

Reduced Fiber and Blood Sugar Spikes

As mentioned, the removal of fiber during the juicing process is a major drawback. Fiber is essential for a slow, steady release of glucose into the bloodstream. When fiber is absent, even the natural sugars in celery juice can be absorbed more quickly, causing a less-than-ideal rise in blood sugar. This is especially true if a large amount is consumed on an empty stomach.

Interaction with Medications

Celery is a significant source of Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for blood clotting. For individuals on blood-thinning medications like warfarin, consuming large quantities of celery juice could interfere with their medication and increase the risk of clots. It is imperative to consult a healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes that could impact medication effectiveness.

Commercial Products and Added Sugars

Many store-bought celery juice products may contain added fruits or sugars to improve the taste. These additives can significantly increase the sugar and calorie content, making them a poor choice for diabetes management. Always check the nutrition label for hidden ingredients.

Whole Celery vs. Celery Juice: A Comparison for Diabetics


Feature	Whole Celery	Celery Juice
Fiber Content	High	Very Low (Removed with pulp)
Glycemic Impact	Low and gradual release	Faster absorption, moderate impact
Nutrient Concentration	Excellent source, moderate concentration	Higher concentration of vitamins and minerals
Satiety	High, keeps you feeling full	Very low, not satiating
Impact on Blood Sugar	Regulates and stabilizes blood sugar	Can cause a mild spike, especially without fiber
Risks for Diabetics	Minimal. Can interact with blood thinners	Potential for blood sugar spikes, med interactions

How to Incorporate Celery Wisely into a Diabetic Diet

For a diabetic-friendly approach, consider prioritizing whole celery over its juiced form. Here are some smart ways to enjoy celery while maximizing its benefits and minimizing risks:

Eat it whole: Munch on whole celery stalks with a healthy dip like hummus or a nut butter to add protein and fat, which further slows sugar absorption.
Add to smoothies: Instead of just juicing, blend whole celery stalks into a smoothie with other low-glycemic foods like berries, spinach, and a source of protein. This retains all the fiber.
Include in meals: Chop celery into salads, stir-fries, or soups to boost flavor and fiber content. It’s a great way to increase nutrient density without adding significant calories or carbs.
Combine with other foods: If you choose to drink celery juice, pair it with a balanced meal that includes protein and fat to help regulate your body's response.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Celery Juice and Diabetes

While celery contains a wealth of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals that can support overall health, its juiced form is not a miracle cure for diabetes. For individuals managing their blood sugar, the whole vegetable is a far better choice. By removing the fiber, celery juice eliminates a key component that helps regulate blood glucose levels. This creates a risk of a faster, more concentrated influx of sugar, even from natural sources. Celery juice can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, especially when consumed with a meal containing protein or fat. However, it is not a substitute for proper diabetes management, a balanced whole-food diet, or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before introducing celery juice or any new supplement, particularly if you are taking blood-thinning medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some studies involving celery leaf extract have shown a blood sugar-lowering effect in prediabetic individuals. However, the evidence is not strong enough to confirm it directly lowers blood sugar, and a doctor should always be consulted.

While celery is low in sugar, the juicing process concentrates the natural sugars from multiple stalks into a single glass. This, combined with the removal of fiber, can make it more likely to cause a blood sugar spike compared to eating whole celery.

Whole celery provides dietary fiber, which is crucial for slowing down carbohydrate absorption and stabilizing blood sugar. It is also low in calories and a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Juicing extracts the liquid and leaves behind the pulp, which contains most of the dietary fiber. Blending, by contrast, retains the fiber and is a better option for managing blood sugar levels.

Celery has a low glycemic impact, but consuming it as a juice without fiber could still affect blood glucose. This, combined with its high Vitamin K content, which can interfere with blood thinners, means you should always consult your doctor before regular consumption.

Eating whole celery is the safest method as it preserves the fiber. If you choose to have celery juice, consume it in moderation alongside a balanced meal with protein and healthy fats to slow down glucose absorption.

No, a juice cleanse is not recommended for diabetics. These cleanses often replace solid meals and can lead to unbalanced nutrient intake and potentially dangerous blood sugar fluctuations. Your body's own organs are designed to detoxify naturally.

Some studies suggest that compounds in celery may help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Since high blood pressure is a common comorbidity for diabetics, this could offer a secondary benefit, but it should not replace prescribed medication.