Disclaimer: The content of the article is for reference only, the storyline is purely fictional, intended to popularize health knowledge, if you feel unwell, please seek medical attention offline.
Uncle Li is 65 years old and worked as a construction worker before he retired. He has had type 2 diabetes for 10 years and is taking his hypoglycemic medication on time every day. Recently, Uncle Li heard that yam can lower blood sugar and is more effective than medicine. This surprised and puzzled him at the same time - is there really such a miracle food? So, Uncle Li decided to find out for himself.
One sunny Saturday morning, Uncle Li came to a nearby farmer's market. He stopped in front of a stall, owned by a smiling middle-aged woman.
Eldest sister, how do you sell this yam? Uncle Li asked.
10 yuan a pound, very fresh! The stall owner replied enthusiastically.
Uncle Li picked up a section of yam and looked at it carefully. "I heard that yam can lower blood sugar, is it true?"
The stall owner's eyes lit up: "That's right! According to a study by Zhejiang University, eating yam can lower blood sugar in two hours, which is more powerful than medicine!"
Uncle Li will be suspicious: Is it really so amazing?
Uncle, don't you believe it? Let me tell you, my mother-in-law is diabetic, and since she eats yam every day, her blood sugar has stabilized much more! The stall owner swore by it.
Uncle Li suspiciously bought two catties of yams and went home. He decided to try it out for himself to see if the yam really had such a miraculous effect.
After returning home, Uncle Li sliced the yam and steamed it. He first measured his fasting blood sugar and the result was 7.2 mmol/L, which was slightly higher than normal. Then, he ate a bowl of steamed yams.
Two hours later, Uncle Li took his blood sugar test again, and the result surprised him - his blood sugar dropped to 6.1 mmol/L! This result was even better than his usual hypoglycemic drugs.
Uncle Li was pleasantly surprised, but also had questions: Does yam really have such a miraculous hypoglycemic effect? Is it possible to completely replace hypoglycemic drugs? With these questions in mind, Uncle Li decided to seek answers from professionals.
The next day, Uncle Li came to the community health service center and found Dr. Wang. Dr. Wang is an experienced endocrinologist with a passion for the treatment of diabetes.
"Dr. Wang, I heard that yam can lower blood sugar and is more effective than medicine. I tried it yesterday and it seems to work. Is this true?" Uncle Li asked eagerly.
Dr. Wang smiled and said, "Uncle Li, you have a very good question. Recent studies have indeed shown that yam may have hypoglycemic effects, but we still need more scientific evidence to confirm this. Let me explain it to you in detail. "
Dr. Wang turned on his computer and pulled up a new research report. This is a study from Zhejiang University published in the journal Food and Function. Studies have found that yams contain a substance called 'diosgenin', which can promote insulin secretion, which can help lower blood sugar. "
Uncle Li listened carefully, but he was still a little puzzled: "Does that mean that I can just take yam without taking medicine?"
Dr. Wang said solemnly, "Uncle Li, this question is very important. While the results are encouraging, we can't rely on yam alone to control blood sugar. Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic disease that requires comprehensive treatment. "
Dr. Wang continued, "First of all, the research is still in the preliminary stage, and we need more clinical trials to confirm the long-term effects and safety of yam. Secondly, everyone's situation is different, and the effect of yam on different people may be different. Finally, the treatment of diabetes is not only about controlling blood sugar, but also about regulating blood lipids and controlling blood pressure. "
Uncle Li nodded thoughtfully: "Then what should I do?"
Dr. Wong gives the following advice:
1. Continue to take hypoglycemic drugs as prescribed by the doctor, and do not stop or reduce the drugs without authorization.
2. Yams can be consumed in moderation as part of dietary therapy, but don't rely too much on them.
3. Maintain a balanced diet, control total calorie intake, and increase dietary fiber intake.
4. Exercise regularly, with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
5. Monitor blood sugar regularly and adjust the treatment plan in time.
Dr. Wang also added, "Uncle Li, do you know? In addition to yams, there are also foods that may help control blood sugar. Such as bitter gourd, garlic, onion, etc. However, none of these foods can be used as a substitute for medication, but as an adjunct. "
After listening to this, Uncle Li seemed to understand a lot: "I see! It seems that I can't rely on yams completely, and I still need comprehensive treatment. "
Dr. Wang nodded, "That's right." The treatment of diabetes is a long-term process that requires the joint efforts of patients, doctors, and families. We need to look at every new research result with a scientific attitude. "
After leaving the community health center, Uncle Li decided to share his experience with other diabetic patients. He joined a diabetes support group where he shared his experience and what he learned from Dr. Wang.
Aunt Zhang in the group said: "I have also heard that yam can lower blood sugar, but I don't know the specific principle. Uncle Li, can you elaborate?"
Uncle Li replied: "According to Dr. Wang's explanation, yam contains a substance called 'diosgenin', which can promote insulin secretion, thereby helping to lower blood sugar. However, more research is needed to confirm the exact effect. "
Brother Zhao in the group asked: "Then can we eat more yams and less medicine?"
Uncle Li immediately said, "No! Dr. Wang particularly emphasized that the drug should not be stopped or reduced without authorization. Yam can only be used as an adjunct and not as a substitute for medication. "
The members of the group have said that they have benefited a lot. Uncle Li felt very relieved, and he decided to continue to learn about diabetes and help more people.
A few months later, Uncle Li went for a follow-up again. He was pleasantly surprised to find that his blood sugar was better controlled than before.
Dr. Wang smiled and said, "Uncle Li, your blood sugar is well controlled. This means that you are not relying on a single approach, but are taking a holistic approach. Your diet is more balanced, your exercise is more regular, and your medication is taken correctly. "
Uncle Li said happily: "Yes, I understand now that controlling diabetes cannot be a shortcut, it must be treated comprehensively and managed scientifically."
Dr. Wang nodded: "You're right. I hope that more diabetic patients can have a correct understanding of the disease and scientific treatment like you. "
When he left the hospital, Uncle Li's heart was full of hope. He knows that there is still a long way to go in the treatment of diabetes, but as long as he adheres to a scientific attitude, he will be able to live a long and healthy life.
Walking on the way home, Uncle Li remembered the experience of the past few months. From the initial confusion and excitement when he first heard about the miraculous effects of yam, to the gradual understanding of the importance of scientific treatment, his perception has changed dramatically.
Uncle Li understands that there is no such thing as a "miracle cure" or "panacea" for a chronic disease like diabetes. The best way to do this is to follow your doctor's instructions, take your medications regularly, keep your diet under control, keep exercising, and maintain a good state of mind.
He remembered what Dr. Wang said: "Every new research result deserves attention, but we need to verify and apply it with a scientific attitude." Uncle Li decided to pay more attention to the latest research in the field of diabetes in the future, but at the same time, he should remain rational and cautious.
When he got home, Uncle Li looked at the yam in the kitchen and smiled. Yam is indeed a beneficial food, but its value lies not in whether it can "cure all diseases", but in whether it is part of a balanced diet. He decided to make a yam pork rib soup tonight, which was delicious and healthy.
Uncle Li's story tells us that in the face of disease, what we need is not only hope, but also a scientific attitude and correct methods. Every diabetic patient is the first person responsible for their own health, and only by fully understanding the disease and actively cooperating with the treatment can they truly control their blood sugar and live a healthy and happy life.