Teas for Diabetes: 6 Types to Control Blood Sugar Levels

The tea culture in China has a long history. It not only tastes good, but also has health benefits. Therefore, it is highly sought after by people. But do you know that tea is also the ideal choice for health and wellness for diabetes patients? As long as you drink the right kind of tea, you can effectively control blood sugar levels. The following introduces 6 types of teas suitable for diabetes patients!

[Five Warning Signs of Diabetes]

1. High blood pressure: Studies have shown that about 40% of people develop diabetes after 6 years of having high blood pressure. Experts recommend: eat less pickles, processed and preserved foods, improve diet structure and increase physical activity, and if necessary, take antihypertensive drugs to maintain blood pressure at a normal level and reduce arteriosclerosis.

2. Apple-shaped body: People with apple-shaped bodies (thicker waist) have more visceral fat, which increases the risk of insulin resistance and prediabetes. In addition, abdominal fat increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and these are all risk factors for diabetes. It is best for men and women to keep their waist circumference below 90 cm and 85 cm, respectively.

3. Overweight: 90% of prediabetes patients are overweight. Especially when weight does not decrease even after reducing calorie intake, one should be more alert.

4. Addicted to potato chips: Feeling uncomfortable after three days without popcorn or potato chips indicates addiction. These foods contain a lot of sugar, salt, and fat, making them taste good, but they also easily trigger the brain's reward mechanism, making people want to eat more. Dr. Liatun suggests that such foods digest quickly in the body, leading to blood sugar imbalance. Long-term consumption increases the risk of diabetes.

5. Feeling sleepy after a meal: Occasionally feeling sleepy after a meal is not a concern, but if it happens frequently, it may be a sign that your diet structure is flawed, such as a high proportion of refined flour, sugary drinks, and sweets. Continued consumption increases the risk of diabetes.

[Teas Suitable for Diabetes Patients]

1. Pomegranate Peel Tea: Pomegranate leaves contain rich chromium, which plays an important role in the metabolism of sugar and fat in the body. It can increase the body's glucose capacity and increase insulin for diabetes patients. Therefore, brewing pomegranate peel and leaves into tea has a good therapeutic effect on diabetes.

2. Goji Chrysanthemum Tea: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that diabetes is one of the underlying diseases of yin deficiency and internal heat. Goji berries can nourish yin and tonify the kidneys, while chrysanthemum can clear heat and reduce blood pressure. When used together, they have the effects of detoxification, improving eyesight, dispelling wind and heat, and calming the mind and aiding sleep.

3. Eucommia Leaf Tea: Modern medicine has shown that Eucommia contains two substances, chlorogenic acid and flavonoids, which can inhibit or delay the generation of glucose and the absorption in the intestines, thereby maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels. Therefore, drinking Eucommia leaf tea regularly can effectively lower blood sugar levels.

4. Chinese Yam Tea: According to "Clinical Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine," Chinese yam has the functions of tonifying the spleen, nourishing the lungs, strengthening the kidneys, and benefiting essence. It can also reduce subcutaneous fat and avoid obesity, making it an ideal drink for diabetes patients who want to lose weight.

5. Snow Lotus Fruit Leaf Tea: A study conducted by Ryukyu University in Japan found that the incidence of diabetes in the Okinawa region was lower, which was related to the locals' love for snow lotus fruit leaf tea. Further research has shown that snow lotus fruit leaves contain substances similar to insulin, which can help control blood sugar levels and have auxiliary effects in the treatment of diabetes.

6. Bitter Melon Tea: Research institutions at home and abroad have proven that bitter melon contains rich substances such as vitamin C and potassium, which can effectively lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and has the effect of treating diabetes.

[Medication Methods for Diabetes Patients]

Most diabetes patients in outpatient clinics are treated orally, with the main drugs being sulfonylureas, biguanides, and α-glucosidase inhibitors. These drugs have different mechanisms of action, characteristics, and usage.

1. Sulfonylureas: such as Glibenclamide, Glipizide, and Glimepiride. The best time to take these drugs is 30 minutes before meals.

2. Biguanides: such as Metformin. Since it is an acidic drug that can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, it is best to take it after meals.

3. α-glucosidase inhibitors: such as Acarbose. These should be taken with the first bite of food during a meal, as taking them before or after meals greatly reduces their effectiveness.

Therefore, different drugs have different recommended times for administration.