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You might wonder, can diabetic patients eat scallions, ginger, and garlic? Some people say that for diabetes, there are many taboo foods, and even these spicy seasonings must be consumed with caution. So, what’s the truth?
To make medical knowledge more relatable, I’ve decided to explain it through a clinical case in a simple and understandable way.
Old Jiang is sixty years old this year. Before retiring, he worked as a laborer in a state-owned enterprise and usually had no major health issues. His only hobby was to eat dishes that have a strong flavor. What does “strong flavor” mean?
In Old Jiang’s view, meals must have taste. He particularly enjoys eating raw scallions, ginger, and garlic. Every time he eats, he always dips some raw scallions in sauce or adds slices of ginger and raw garlic to his dishes, believing this is the way to enjoy his meals.
However, a year ago, Old Jiang was diagnosed with diabetes, which frightened him greatly.
Since then, Old Jiang immediately quit all sweets, avoiding candies, cakes, and sweet beverages altogether, earning praise from his family for his self-discipline.
But there is one thing he hasn’t changed, which is having those few bites of scallions, ginger, and garlic during meals. He thinks to himself: these aren’t sweet, so how could they be problematic?
This year, Old Jiang went back to the hospital for a follow-up, and the doctor frowned upon examining his blood sugar levels, saying, “Old Jiang, your diabetes has worsened. Have you not been careful with your diet lately?”
Old Jiang was a bit dazed and hurriedly shook his head: “Doctor, I’ve been good about it. I don’t eat any sweets at all. How could it have worsened? I explained my habit of enjoying raw scallions, ginger, and garlic.”
Upon hearing this, the doctor sighed and said, “Old Jiang, you may not know this, but while scallions, ginger, and garlic are good for health, consuming too much of them can pose risks for diabetic patients.”
Old Jiang was stunned and questioned doubtfully: “Doctor, aren’t scallions, ginger, and garlic beneficial for the body?”
The doctor nodded and patiently explained: “You’re right, Old Jiang, scallions, ginger, and garlic indeed have certain health benefits, such as antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and boosting immunity, but they all share a common trait: they are spicy and stimulating.”
Old Jiang frowned, “So doesn’t that mean the more I eat, the bigger the problem?”
The doctor nodded: “Exactly, especially when eaten raw.”
