Does Green Tea Help Lower Blood Sugar? Insights for Health Concerns

Q: Does Green Tea Help Lower Blood Sugar? Insights for Health Concerns

Drug Name： Green Tea <br>Properties： Bitter, Sweet, Slightly Cold, Non-toxic <br>Functions： Cardiotonic, Diuretic, Stimulant, Resuscitative, Antidote for Alcohol, Astringent <br>Indications： Mental fatigue, Stimulation of respiration and circulation, Enhancement of memory, Col

Benefits of Green Tea

Hello, Dr.
Chuang...
I would like to ask if drinking green tea has any blood sugar-lowering effects? Recently, I have been pairing my breakfast with unsweetened Japanese green tea from Ocha Garden, whether I eat a vegetarian sandwich or steamed buns (at 8:30 AM).
By noon at 12 PM, I start to feel slightly weak in my hands and feet, which feels like low blood sugar (my job requires me to be active as a nurse).
Previously, I used to have buttered bread with Ocha Garden tea and felt fine, but I have changed my main food recently...
I'm not sure if it's related to the green tea I'm drinking or the amount of my main food, or if it's a sign of a health issue (since my mother has a family history of diabetes).
However, I haven't experienced excessive thirst, urination, or hunger, but I have been waking up once at night to urinate over the past few days.

kedy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/09/29

Dr. Zhuang Yihui reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Drug Name: Green Tea
Properties: Bitter, Sweet, Slightly Cold, Non-toxic
Functions: Cardiotonic, Diuretic, Stimulant, Resuscitative, Antidote for Alcohol, Astringent
Indications: Mental fatigue, Stimulation of respiration and circulation, Enhancement of memory, Collapse, Shock and stupor, Cardiac edema, Ascites, Diarrhea
Recent studies have shown that green tea can help improve symptoms of indigestion and has antibacterial properties, such as alleviating acute diarrhea caused by bacteria when consumed in moderation.
Therefore, based on your description, it seems to be related to dietary changes, and regular blood sugar monitoring can alleviate concerns in this regard.
The recent colder weather and increased nocturia are considered normal phenomena.

Reply Date: 2003/09/29

More Info

Green tea has been widely studied for its potential health benefits, including its effects on blood sugar levels. The primary active compounds in green tea, particularly catechins, have been shown to have various health-promoting properties. Some studies suggest that green tea may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, the evidence is not definitive, and the effects can vary from person to person.

In your case, it seems that you have recently changed your breakfast habits from a buttered bread to a vegetarian sandwich or steamed bun, while also incorporating unsweetened green tea. The feeling of weakness or low blood sugar around midday could be related to this dietary change rather than the green tea itself. The carbohydrate content and glycemic index of your new breakfast choices may differ significantly from what you were previously consuming. Foods with a high glycemic index can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar followed by a quick drop, leading to feelings of weakness or low energy.

Moreover, your family history of diabetes is a valid concern. It is essential to monitor your blood sugar levels, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like weakness or fatigue. While green tea may have some beneficial effects on blood sugar, it is not a substitute for a balanced diet or medical advice. Regular blood sugar monitoring can help you understand how your body responds to different foods and beverages.

As for the nocturia (nighttime urination) you mentioned, it can be a normal occurrence, especially if you are consuming more fluids or if the weather is cooler, which can sometimes lead to increased urine production. However, if this symptom persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.

In summary, while green tea may have some potential benefits for blood sugar control, it is essential to consider the overall context of your diet and lifestyle. The changes in your breakfast choices could be more significant contributors to your feelings of low energy than the green tea itself. If you continue to experience symptoms or have concerns about your blood sugar levels, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential testing.

Similar Q&A

Can Guava Tea and Chinese Toon Help Lower Blood Sugar?

1. Is it true that drinking boiled water made from dried red guava can lower blood sugar levels? 2. Can Chinese toon (xiangchun) help lower blood sugar? Thank you.

Dr. Liu Yulai reply Nutrition
Tang Tang: Hello, diabetes management should primarily focus on receiving treatment, and all dietary therapies are merely supplementary. There have been suggestions about brewing tea with fresh guava or using dried red-fleshed guava to make water for drinking, as well as consumin...

Is Drinking Sugar-Free Beverages Safe for Diabetes Prevention?

Hello, doctor. I have been wanting to change my habit of drinking sugary beverages because my grandmother has diabetes, but I haven't been able to. Since last year, I have mainly been drinking sugar-free beverages, such as unsweetened green tea. I'm wondering if drinkin...

Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Johnny, Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, would like to inform you that having a family history of diabetes generally increases the genetic predisposition to the condition. It is importan...

Managing Fatty Liver: Tips on Green Tea Consumption and Sodium Intake

Hello, Doctor: 1. I would like to ask how to manage my fatty liver condition. 2. I enjoy drinking green tea, but I have heard that consuming too much tea can be bad for the stomach. Is this true? How should I moderate my intake? Additionally, since most commercially available ...

Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! (1) There are many causes of fatty liver, with obesity being the most common, followed by alcohol consumption. Sometimes, patients with diabetes may also experience this condition. Therefore, to improve fatty liver, it is essential to exercise more, reduce the intake of sw...

Is Drinking Green Tea Powder Healthy or Harmful for Your Body?

Does regularly consuming green tea powder put a burden on the body?

Dr. Liu Qiaoyun reply Nutrition
Hello, generally speaking, matcha powder does not pose any significant issues. However, since green tea contains alkaloids such as theobromine, it can interfere with iron absorption. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid consuming it before or after meals to prevent hinderi...