Can people with diabetes drink Lycii Root Bark (Di Gu Pi) tea?

Most people are unfamiliar with Lycii Cortex (also known as “Dì Gǔ Pí”) and unaware of its therapeutic effects. So, can individuals with diabetes consume Lycii Cortex?

Can individuals with diabetes consume Lycii Cortex?

Yes, individuals with diabetes may consume Lycii Cortex. This traditional Chinese herbal medicine is cold in nature and has a sweet-bitter taste, entering the Kidney, Lung, and Liver meridians. It functions to clear heat, cool the blood, nourish yin, and moisten the lungs. For diabetic patients, it offers certain adjunctive therapeutic benefits—primarily by alleviating patterns of yin deficiency with hyperactive fire.

The primary active constituents of Lycii Cortex include cinnamic acid, abundant phenolic compounds, betaine, β-sitosterol, linoleic acid, and Lycium Cortex A. These bioactive components contribute to lowering the “three highs”—namely, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Its hypoglycemic effect mainly involves promoting insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. In early-stage type 1 diabetes, common symptoms include polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyphagia (excessive hunger), polyuria (frequent urination), and weight loss. Some patients may also experience postprandial hypoglycemia and persistent fatigue. In contrast, symptoms of type 2 diabetes are often subtle or absent; many patients remain undiagnosed until routine health examinations reveal elevated blood glucose levels, and some only become aware of their condition upon developing complications.

During diabetes management, the first priority is dietary control—specifically, regulating total daily caloric intake—combined with regular physical activity. If glycemic control remains suboptimal, antihyperglycemic medications may be added to help achieve target blood glucose levels and minimize the risk of complications. We hope this information proves helpful!