Can people with diabetes drink Lycii Cortex (the bark of the Chinese wolfberry root)?

Most people don't know much about Lycii Cortex (the root bark of the wolfberry plant), nor are they aware of its effects. Can people with diabetes drink Lycii Cortex?

Can People with Diabetes Drink Lycii Cortex?

Diabetic patients can consume Lycii Cortex. It is a traditional Chinese herb that is cold in nature and bitter-sweet in taste, affecting the kidney, lung, and liver meridians. It has functions of clearing heat, cooling blood, nourishing yin, and moistening the lungs. It can serve as an auxiliary treatment for diabetes by helping to alleviate, to some extent, symptoms of yin deficiency with excessive internal heat.

The main components of Lycii Cortex include cinnamic acid, abundant phenolic compounds, betaine, β-sitosterol, linoleic acid, and Lycii Cortex A. These active ingredients are responsible for lowering the "three highs"—high blood lipids, high blood pressure, and high blood glucose. The blood sugar-lowering effect primarily works by promoting insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. In the early stages of type 1 diabetes, common symptoms include thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, and weight loss. Some patients may also experience post-meal hypoglycemia and often feel fatigued. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are usually less obvious, and many individuals only discover their condition during routine medical checkups. Numerous patients do not realize they have diabetes until complications arise.

During treatment, diabetic patients should first focus on dietary control—mainly managing total daily caloric intake—and maintain a certain level of physical activity. If blood glucose remains uncontrolled, additional antidiabetic medications may be used to help achieve target glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications. We hope this answer has been helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!