Tea drinkers may have improved blood sugar control.

Tea drinkers may have improved blood sugar control.

Drinking Dark Tea Daily May Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Drinking tea has long been celebrated for its health benefits. And now, a new study suggests that regular consumption of dark tea may help balance blood sugar levels and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

This intriguing finding comes from a study conducted in China, where researchers examined the tea-drinking habits of individuals and their association with diabetes risk. The study revealed that those who drank dark tea every day had a 53% lower risk of developing prediabetes and a 47% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-tea drinkers.

Dark tea is a type of aged tea from China that undergoes a complex fermentation process. It is known to be rich in healthy bacteria, also known as probiotics, which can promote gut health and overall well-being.

While the study did not establish a direct causal relationship between dark tea consumption and blood sugar control, the researchers have put forth some theories that could explain the observed benefits. According to Dr. Tongzhi Wu, the lead author of the study and an associate professor at the Adelaide Medical School in Australia, tea is known to have numerous positive effects. It can reduce inflammation, combat oxidative stress, and improve insulin sensitivity.

To conduct the study, the researchers surveyed 1,923 adults aged 20 to 80 living in China. They collected data on the participants’ tea-drinking habits, including the frequency and type of tea consumed. The researchers then compared this information with the participants’ blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and glycemic status.

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The results showed that individuals who drank tea daily had a 15% lower risk of prediabetes and a 28% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes compared to non-tea drinkers. These benefits were even more prominent among those who specifically drank dark tea on a daily basis.

One potential explanation for the blood sugar benefits of tea consumption is the increased urinary glucose excretion observed in regular dark tea drinkers. People with diabetes often struggle to eliminate excess glucose from their urine, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. However, the study found that regular dark tea consumption significantly increased the amount of glucose excreted in the urine, potentially helping to better regulate blood sugar levels.

Another significant finding highlighted by the study was the improvement in insulin resistance among tea drinkers. Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes, as it impedes the body’s ability to effectively utilize insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. The study indicated that regular tea consumption, especially dark tea, can enhance insulin sensitivity and thus contribute to better blood sugar control.

Dr. Wu emphasized that tea drinking can be an affordable and safe dietary approach for individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that further research is needed before definite conclusions about the effects of dark tea on diabetes risk can be drawn. The researchers are currently conducting a study specifically examining the benefits of dark tea on blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

While this study focused on the Chinese population, the findings may resonate with tea lovers worldwide. Nevertheless, it is worth acknowledging the study’s limitations, including the reliance on self-reported tea consumption data and the examination of a single point in time. This calls for more comprehensive studies encompassing different populations with varying dietary habits, genetics, and lifestyles.

Regardless, taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes is crucial. According to Edwin Torres, a nurse practitioner specializing in diabetes care, lifestyle changes play a significant role in mitigating the risk of developing this condition. These changes include regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, stress management, adequate sleep, avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol, and a healthy diet. Additionally, medication or medical intervention can be considered when advised, along with ongoing education and support, vaccinations, and regular eye and foot exams.

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of treatment.” So, why not incorporate a cup of dark tea into your daily routine and potentially reap the benefits it may offer in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes?

Sources: – Tongzhi Wu, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Adelaide Medical School, Australia. – Edwin Torres, PhD, Nurse Practitioner, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Montefiore Medical Center, New York City. – European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting, Hamburg, Germany, October 2 to 6, 2023.