Vietnamese man hospitalized after eating sugarcane to treat diabetes

A 66-year-old man from Phu Tho, Vietnam, was hospitalized after consuming one sugarcane stalk daily in an attempt to treat his diabetes, following misinformation found on social media. The man experienced numbness and difficulty speaking, symptoms that initially led his family to fear he had suffered a stroke.

Medical examinations revealed his blood sugar levels had risen to 18 mmol/L. Dr. Doan Du Manh of the Vietnam Vascular Association warned that sugarcane contains high sugar content and cannot replace medical treatments for diabetes. Experts noted that a single sugarcane stalk can contain sugar equivalent to 24 to 36 teaspoons, making it difficult for patients to control their glucose levels.

Medical professionals advise diabetic patients to strictly follow prescribed treatment plans and consult doctors before making significant dietary changes. The reports also highlighted a separate case of a 69-year-old woman in Hanoi who fell into critical condition after attempting a natural treatment involving daily sugarcane juice and extra sugar.