Can patients with type 1 diabetes take Banlangen (Isatis root) for a cold?

It is generally not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes to consume Banlangen (Isatis root) when they have a cold, mainly based on the following considerations: 1. **Effect of sugar content**: Banlangen granules often contain a certain amount of sucrose or other sugars. Patients with diabetes, especially those with type 1 diabetes, need to strictly control their blood glucose levels. Sugar intake may cause a sharp increase in blood glucose, which is detrimental to maintaining stable blood sugar levels. 2. **Specific nature of the disease**: Type 1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, leading to an absolute deficiency of insulin. A cold itself may intensify the body's stress response and affect blood glucose stability. At such times, consuming Banlangen granules—which may elevate blood sugar—could further exacerbate fluctuations in blood glucose levels. 3. **Treatment principles**: Although Banlangen has effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling the blood, and relieving sore throat, it has no direct therapeutic effect on type 1 diabetes.