Can I drink Pu'er tea in the early stages of diabetes?

Jul 07, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I used to really enjoy drinking Pu'er tea, but I have now been diagnosed with early-stage diabetes. Is it okay for someone with early-stage diabetes to drink Pu'er tea?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Patients in the early stages of diabetes can drink Pu'er tea, but should pay attention to moderate consumption and the method of drinking. Pu'er tea has effects of promoting diuresis, lowering lipids, and reducing blood pressure; it can also slow the rise of blood glucose levels. Components in Pu'er tea, such as tea polyphenols, help lower blood sugar levels and improve liver and kidney function by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and scavenging free radicals. Certain components in Pu'er tea, such as catechins, may stimulate insulin secretion and affect blood glucose control in diabetic patients. Therefore, patients with diabetes should control the amount and frequency of consumption to avoid excessive intake. When drinking Pu'er tea, patients should avoid steeping the tea too strongly, to prevent gastrointestinal irritation or adverse reactions such as increased heart rate and potential heart disease. Additionally, tea should not be consumed too late in the evening, to avoid disrupting sleep at night, which could lead to insomnia and other conditions that are unfavorable for blood glucose control.