Can people with diabetes drink barley tea?
Disease description:
My grandmother was recently diagnosed with diabetes. She has always had the habit of drinking barley tea. Can people with diabetes drink barley tea?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
People with diabetes can drink barley tea, but they should consume it in moderation. Barley tea is rich in cellulose, amino acids, and has low calories. Drinking it in appropriate amounts can promote gastrointestinal motility, help relieve constipation, and assist in calorie consumption. It generally does not cause significant increases in blood sugar levels, thus contributing to stable blood glucose control. However, excessive consumption of barley tea may lead to blood sugar fluctuations, which are detrimental to disease stability. This is especially true when it is taken with antidiabetic medications, as it may affect the efficacy of the drugs. Additionally, the theophylline content in barley tea may stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and affect sleep; long-term and excessive consumption is not conducive to disease management. Therefore, diabetic patients should follow the principle of moderate consumption when drinking barley tea and pay attention to their individual physical conditions and disease status to avoid adverse reactions.
