With the intensification of the aging trend of the population, geriatric diabetes has become a hot spot of social concern. Geriatric diabetes refers to diabetic patients aged 60 years and above, which is characterized by complex conditions and variable symptoms. Among them, nocturnal hypoglycemia is one of the common complications in elderly patients with diabetes, which seriously threatens the life safety of patients. Therefore, the prevention and care of nocturnal hypoglycemia is essential for older patients with diabetes.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the main reason for nighttime hypoglycemia in elderly diabetic patients is the weakness of the spleen and stomach, the deficiency of kidney yin, and the combination of qi deficiency and blood stasis. Therefore, TCM has unique advantages in the prevention and care of nocturnal hypoglycemia.
First of all, TCM emphasizes the regulation of qi and blood and the balance of yin and yang. The method of nourishing yin and nourishing the kidney can replenish the kidney yin in elderly diabetic patients, thereby reducing the occurrence of hypoglycemia. Commonly used traditional Chinese medicines include Shou Wu vine, rehmannia root, yam, etc., which can be decocted into medicinal diet or washed. These drugs can not only play a role in regulating qi and blood, but also improve the appetite of elderly diabetic patients, increase the patient's appetite, and increase the energy supply of diabetic patients.
Secondly, TCM emphasizes adjusting work and rest and maintaining a good daily routine. Older people with diabetes should get enough sleep and get regular physical activity. Exercise can promote blood circulation, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve the body's metabolic capacity. At the same time, properly participating in some qigong health activities, such as tai chi, can relieve emotional stress and maintain a peaceful mind.
Based on the experience of traditional Chinese medicine, combined with ancient and modern prescriptions, we recommend the following dietary prescriptions.
First of all, you can choose bitter gourd, which is a kind of food that has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying and lowering blood sugar. Older diabetics can eat bitter gourd sliced, diced or boiled in soup, and its bitter taste can help reduce the rise in blood sugar. At the same time, bitter melon is rich in dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and slow down the rise of blood sugar.
Secondly, you can choose coix seed, which is a common Chinese herbal medicine, which has the effects of diuresis and dehumidification, spleen and lungs. Elderly diabetic patients can cook coix seeds into porridge to lower blood sugar and nourish the spleen and stomach. The method of coix seed porridge is simple, clean the appropriate amount of coix seeds, add an appropriate amount of water to boil, change to low heat and cook, and finally add an appropriate amount of sugar or honey to taste.
Finally, you can choose aloe vera, which has the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, moisturizing the stomach and intestines, and promoting liver detoxification. Elderly diabetic patients can dilute aloe vera slices or juice them to lower blood sugar and improve digestive function. At the same time, aloe vera also has the effects of enhancing immunity and antioxidant, and has a certain improvement in the systemic resistance of elderly diabetic patients.
To sum up, the prevention and care of nocturnal hypoglycemia in elderly diabetic patients requires the comprehensive use of traditional Chinese medicine theories and traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, and regular adjustment of daily Xi habits and dietary adjustment. At the same time, older diabetic patients should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels to understand the development trend of their condition. Only under the guidance of professional doctors, the dosage and use of drugs can be reasonably prescribed, so as to better control nocturnal hypoglycemia and improve the quality of life of patients.
Health References:
1.Zheng Jianhua, Sui Ting, Fan Xiaomeng, et al. Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine ** geriatric diabetes mellitus[J].Chinese Journal of Gerontology,2018,38(5):1001-1004