Can Bitter Gourd Cure Diabetes?
Song Shuangchun, from Shatuchengzi Village, Shihezi City, Xinjiang: I read Professor Zhao Lin’s article in Issue 258, Page 20 of your newspaper titled “Step Counter Helps Treat Diabetes,” where he mentioned, “Chop bitter gourd, blanch in boiling water, eat it for breakfast, and carry the boiled water in a bottle while walking. Walk 8,000 steps (6.5 km) daily. When tired or thirsty, drink the bitter gourd water… After three months of consistent practice, all indicators returned to normal.” I also saw another article stating that claims about bitter gourd lowering blood sugar remain folk remedies without scientific proof. These conflicting views confuse me.
Professor Zhao Lin, Department of Nutrition, PLA General Hospital: Regarding this issue, I’ve provided detailed discussion previously. Readers should not interpret based on isolated sentences or snippets.
Many patients hope a single drug or method can cure diabetes completely—this is unrealistic. Bitter gourd’s role in diabetes management is documented in Indian medicine, and India even holds a patent for extracting plant insulin from bitter gourd. However, some patients hear about its benefits and start eating nothing but bitter gourd, stopping prescribed medication—this is dangerous.
Diabetes is a lifestyle disease. For early-stage diabetics, the best approach is adopting healthy habits and balanced diet—“control your mouth, move your legs.” Emphasizing bitter gourd isn’t about its miraculous power but encouraging patients to adopt healthier lifestyles. Due to Westernized diets and excessive animal product intake, obesity leads to insulin resistance. Instead of relying solely on medication, patients should maintain balanced nutrition and embrace healthy living.
I urge patients: Long-term bitter gourd consumption is beneficial for health, but it cannot replace medication. Undoubtedly, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are most crucial for diabetes prevention.
Editor: “Xiaoke” refers to diabetes, a traditional Chinese medical term.
Recommended: Explore TCM dietary therapy here