Insulin therapy for diabetes is generally initiated when oral hypoglycemic agents are ineffective or when pancreatic function is severely impaired. For example, if several oral hypoglycemic agents have not responded well to long-term use, insulin therapy is usually chosen. In some cases of diabetes, more than 90% of pancreatic function has already failed, so insulin therapy is also necessary in such situations. Insulin can be divided into long-term and short-term insulin; the specific type of insulin used depends on the specific blood glucose levels.
Can diabetics drink Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea?
Gynostemma pentaphyllum can be taken by diabetics. Gynostemma pentaphyllum is the whole herb of the plant *Gynostemma pentaphyllum*, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It mainly contains water-soluble amino acids, flavonoids, and minerals, and has effects such as lowering lipids and detoxifying, lowering blood sugar, reducing inflammation, improving sleep, relieving constipation, beautifying hair, and delaying aging. Studies have found that Gynostemma pentaphyllum can protect the adrenal glands, thymus, and endocrine organs, therefore it is suitable for diabetics and is a good health supplement for them.
Precautions for Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic foot is a chronic complication of diabetes. It is also one of the most costly complications of diabetes, with a high mortality rate. It has the highest proportion of non-invasive amputations among all amputations. Diabetic foot also involves microcirculatory disturbances and nerve damage. Diabetic foot is insensitive to pain and irritation. When washing and soaking diabetic feet, the water temperature should not be too high. Generally, it can be between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius. Soaking time should not be too long to avoid burns. Diabetic foot patients should also keep warm and avoid colds and stress. They should wear soft-soled cloth shoes to avoid pressure on the feet. Ulcers in diabetic foot patients are often caused by neglect of daily care. Regular examination of the microvessels and macrovessels of the lower extremities is necessary for diabetic foot patients to check for vascular blockages and treat them promptly. Strict control of blood sugar, blood lipids, and blood pressure is essential for diabetic foot patients. Methylcobalamin is often used to nourish nerves, along with B vitamins.