Effect of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Cookies on Blood Glucose Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Non-pharmacological dietary interventions are important for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are rich in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds that may help reduce blood glucose levels. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pumpkin and red kidney bean cookies on random blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted among 48 patients, who were assigned to an intervention group (n = 24) and a control group (n = 24). The intervention group consumed 40 g/day of pumpkin and red kidney bean cookies for seven consecutive days, while the control group received no intervention. Random blood glucose levels were measured before and after the intervention and analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Mann–Whitney U Test. The intervention group showed a mean reduction in random blood glucose of 15.37 mg/dL, compared with 0.21 mg/dL in the control group. A significant reduction was observed in the intervention group (p = 0.001), whereas no significant change occurred in the control group (p = 0.577). Between-group analysis also demonstrated a significant difference (p = 0.001). These findings indicate that pumpkin and red kidney bean cookies may serve as a promising functional snack to support glycemic control in patients with T2DM.