Can people with diabetes consume Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica), and Dang Shen (Codonopsis)?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Astragalus membranaceus contains active compounds such as saponins and astragalus polysaccharides. In diabetic patients, it can promote insulin secretion and exert a certain hypoglycemic effect. When using astragalus to regulate blood in diabetic patients, it is commonly combined with Trichosanthes root (Tianhua Fen), Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang), and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhi Mu). Patients with type 1 diabetes require exogenous insulin therapy, whereas most patients with type 2 diabetes can be managed with oral hypoglycemic agents; however, a small number of type 2 diabetic patients may also require insulin therapy.
Astragalus (Huangqi), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), and Codonopsis (Dangshen) are commonly used herbs for treating deficiency syndromes. Danggui nourishes the blood, invigorates blood circulation, regulates menstruation, alleviates pain, and moistens the intestines to relieve constipation. Huangqi tonifies Qi, elevates Yang, strengthens the defensive (Wei) Qi, promotes diuresis, and reduces edema. So, can patients with diabetes consume Huangqi, Danggui, and Dangshen?
Can patients with diabetes consume Huangqi, Danggui, and Dangshen?
Huangqi contains saponins, astragalus polysaccharides, and other active compounds. In diabetic patients, it can promote insulin secretion and exert a modest hypoglycemic effect. When using Huangqi to regulate blood in diabetic patients, it is often combined with Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen), Rehmannia (Dihuang), and Anemarrhena (Zhimu). Patients with type 1 diabetes require exogenous insulin therapy, whereas most patients with type 2 diabetes can be managed with oral hypoglycemic agents. However, a small proportion of type 2 diabetic patients may require combination therapy with both oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin.
In the early stages of diabetes, insulin therapy is typically not required. Patients usually do not exhibit a predisposition to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); however, stressors such as infection may trigger DKA. Dysregulation of vascular constriction and dilation, platelet aggregation, and lipid deposition in the vascular wall collectively contribute to hyperglycemia, hyperviscosity, and hypertension—leading to a sharply rising incidence of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.
Patients with diabetes may consume dragon fruit (pitaya). Key mechanisms underlying its blood glucose–lowering effects include its high dietary fiber content, low sugar content, and low caloric value. Dragon fruit is thus beneficial for managing common modern diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperuricemia. We hope this article has been helpful to you!
