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 Zhang is seventy-five this year, his figure is slightly bloated, and his face is ruddy. My favorite thing on weekdays is to take a leisurely walk with my wife in the promenade of the community. In the evening of that day, the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on them, and Uncle Zhang suddenly felt a wave of dizziness, stumbling under his feet, and almost fell.
"Lao Zhang, what's wrong with you?" The old wife hurriedly supported him, looking panicked.
Uncle Zhang waved his hand and said forcefully: "It's okay, it's okay, it may be that I ate too much today." "
However, in the next few days, this feeling of dizziness appeared from time to time, accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and blurred vision. His wife insisted that he go to the hospital for a check-up, and Uncle Zhang reluctantly agreed.
After the results of the examination came out, Uncle Zhang was stunned. The doctor told him that his blood sugar level had reached 11.2 mmol/L, which was well above the normal range.
"Mr. Zhang, you have typical type 2 diabetes symptoms." The young Dr. Li pushed his glasses and said in a serious tone, "Treatment must be started immediately to control blood sugar." "
Uncle Zhang panicked suddenly, "Diabetes? Isn't this the disease of wealth? I've been frugal all my life, how did I get this disease? "
Dr. Lee patiently explains, "Diabetes is not just a disease for the wealthy. Age, genetics, eating habits, lack of exercise, etc. can all be triggers. Your age, coupled with your usual appetite for greasy sweets and lack of activity, can easily lead to diabetes. "
After listening to the doctor's words, Uncle Zhang was silent. He remembered that he did have a sweet tooth, especially after retirement, and often enjoyed it with his wife. Unexpectedly, this has become a hidden danger of burying diseases.
"That's... What am I going to do? Uncle Zhang raised his head, his eyes full of worry.
Dr. Li smiled and said, "Don't worry, although diabetes cannot be cured, as long as it is managed scientifically, it can be completely controlled." In addition to the usual medication, I would like to recommend you a cheap and effective adjunct. "
Uncle Zhang suddenly became interested, "What method?" "
"Cinnamon." "Recent studies have shown that cinnamon bark has a good adjunct to blood sugar control. "
Uncle Zhang's eyes widened in surprise, "Cinnamon? Is that the spice used to cook the food? "
Dr. Lee nodded, "That's right. Cinnamon is not only flavorful, but also has many medicinal properties. It contains a substance called cinnamaldehyde, which enhances insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar. "
Uncle Zhang listened with relish, but still had some doubts, "So amazing? So why not just treat diabetes with cinnamon? "
Dr Lee explains, "Cinnamon does help with blood sugar control, but it is only an adjunct and is not a complete replacement for conventional treatment. We also need a sensible diet plan, moderate exercise, and necessary medications. Cinnamon can be used as a supplement to help us better manage our blood sugar. "
Uncle Zhang nodded thoughtfully, "Then how should I use cinnamon?" "
Dr. Lee advises, "You can add a small amount of cinnamon powder, about 1-2 grams, to warm water every day and drink it as a tea. It is also possible to add a small amount of cinnamon to taste while cooking. But be careful not to overdo it to avoid causing discomfort. "
After listening to this, Uncle Zhang had a bottom in his heart, but he still couldn't help asking: "Doctor, are these things you said reliable?" "
Dr. Lee smiled and said, "I understand your concerns. In fact, the hypoglycemic effects of cinnamon bark have been supported by several scientific studies. For example, a 2013 study published in the journal Diabetes Care showed that taking 1 gram of cinnamon bark per day significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. "
Hearing this, Uncle Zhang's eyes lit up, "It turns out that there is really a scientific basis!" "
Dr. Lee continued, "Not only that, but cinnamon bark has other health benefits as well. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects and may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Some studies have also found that cinnamon may be helpful in improving cognitive function. "
Uncle Zhang nodded again and again when he heard this, and suddenly remembered something, "By the way, I heard that diabetics are prone to heart disease, is this true?" "
Dr. Lee's expression became serious, "That's true. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. High blood sugar can damage the walls of blood vessels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Therefore, blood sugar control is not only to manage diabetes itself, but also to prevent various complications. "
Uncle Zhang thought thoughtfully, "Then what should I pay attention to besides eating cinnamon?" "
Dr. Li patiently explains, "First of all, you need to adjust your diet. Eat more vegetables, whole grains, and less high-sugar and high-fat foods. Secondly, you should stick to moderate exercise, at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day, such as brisk walking, swimming, etc. Also monitor your blood sugar regularly and take your medications on time. Finally, it's also important to maintain a good mindset, as too much stress can affect blood sugar control. "
After listening to this, Uncle Zhang couldn't help but sigh: "It turns out that there are so many things to pay attention to in managing diabetes!" "
Dr. Lee smiled and said, "Yes, but as long as you develop good habits, it will become easier slowly." And, you have an advantage. "
"What advantages?" Uncle Zhang asked curiously.
"You have a wife who cares about you." Dr. Li looked at Uncle Zhang's wife, who had been listening silently, "With the support and companionship of my family, the management of the disease will get twice the result with half the effort." "
Hearing this, Uncle Zhang turned his head to look at his wife, and the two looked at each other and smiled, their eyes full of warmth.
When he left the hospital, Uncle Zhang's mood was much lighter. He decided to start today with lifestyle changes and take his blood sugar seriously.
On the way home, they passed by a Chinese medicine store, and Uncle Zhang excitedly pulled his wife in to buy a pack of cinnamon. The shopkeeper was a kind old gentleman, and when he heard that they were buying cinnamon to control blood sugar, he enthusiastically introduced some ways to use it.
"Cinnamon can be made into tea or added to porridge." The old shopkeeper said, "But it should be noted that cinnamon is warm and should not be used more by people who are deficient in yin and fire." If you feel on fire, reduce the dosage appropriately. "
Uncle Zhang nodded again and again, "Thank you for the reminder, I will pay attention." "
Back home, Uncle Zhang couldn't wait to try cinnamon tea. His wife went to the kitchen to prepare dinner, and he began to study how to make cinnamon tea.
He carefully weighed 1 gram of cinnamon, put it in a cup, and poured warm water. Soon, a faint scent of cinnamon spreads. Uncle Zhang took a deep breath and slowly tasted this special cup of tea.
The taste is a bit bitter, but it has a unique sweetness. Uncle Zhang remembered what Dr. Li said, and his heart was full of hope. He knows that controlling diabetes is a constant battle, but as long as he persists, he will win.
In the following days, Uncle Zhang strictly followed the doctor's advice. Drink cinnamon tea every day, control your diet, and keep exercising. His wife also fully supported him, and the two learned healthy recipes together and walked together every day.
A month later, Uncle Zhang went for a re-examination. When he saw the obvious drop in blood sugar levels, he had a relieved smile on his face. Dr. Li was also happy for him, "Mr. Zhang, you are doing a great job! Keep it up and trust that your blood sugar will become more and more stable. "
Walking out of the hospital, the sun is just right. Uncle Zhang took a deep breath and felt the changes brought about by his new life. He knows that this is just the beginning, but he has already found the right direction.
On the way home, Uncle Zhang and his wife talked and laughed. They discussed whether to try the cinnamon stew in the evening, which is said to be not only delicious, but also moisturizing and coughing.
Uncle Zhang's story shows us that a healthy lifestyle with a few simple tips can help us better manage our illness. Cinnamon bark, an ordinary condiment, contains such a miraculous effect, which is really amazing at the magic of nature.
Of course, we have to keep in mind that no adjunct can completely replace the doctor's advice and treatment. When trying a new method, it is best to consult a medical professional first. A healthy life requires us to maintain it with a scientific attitude and perseverance.
Bibliography:
Effect of cinnamon extract on blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Chinese Journal of Diabetes Mellitus, 2018, 26(3): 245-250.