What specific danger arises for diabetics consuming Opuntia species?
Answer
Hypoglycemia due to blood sugar lowering
Nopal cactus has been investigated for its physiological effect on glucose metabolism, suggesting it can help manage blood sugar levels. For individuals who are already managing diabetes with prescribed medication intended to lower blood sugar, introducing a natural agent that also suppresses glucose levels can lead to hypoglycemia, which signifies dangerously low blood sugar levels. This requires professional guidance to adjust medication dosages.
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