Type 2 diabetes develops when the body is unable to control blood sugar levels, typically because insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose, is no longer being properly reacted to by the body. Type 2 diabetes can cause high blood pressure, cardiovascular illness, nerve damage, eyesight loss, and kidney damage if it is not well managed.

The greatest strategy to prevent type 2 diabetes and, in conjunction with medicine, to manage its symptoms is through lifestyle changes. Doctors advise regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body mass index, and following a heart-healthy diet that includes lots of fresh vegetables, whole grains, protein, and heart-healthy fats.

Type 2 diabetes, whose incidence is rising globally, is a serious health concern.

Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to aging, being overweight, and obesity. It is largely brought on by bad diets and lifestyles.

Changes in lifestyle, such as more exercise and a healthy diet, can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

A recent study also suggests that frequent tea consumption may help to control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of diabetes.

An observational study from China now reveals that those who frequently consume tea, especially dark tea, may lower their insulin resistance and improve their blood glucose levels, which lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Regular tea drinkers have better blood glucose control

The study included 562 men and 1,361 women, aged 20 to 80, from eight Chinese provinces. A total of 1,135 of them had normal blood sugar levels, 436 of them had diabetes, 352 had prediabetes.

1,000 of the 1,923 participants regularly drank tea. They drank a variety of teas: 300 said they drank green tea, 125 said they drank black tea, 521 said they drank dark tea, and 54 said they drank other kinds. Everyone drank their tea devoid of milk and sugar.

The morning spot urine glucose-to-creatine ratio (UGCR), a measure of the excretion of glucose in the urine, was used by the researchers to investigate for any correlation between the frequency and type of tea drinking and excretion of glucose in the urine. In addition, they assessed insulin resistance and noted any glycemic abnormalities (such as past or present type 2 diabetes, usage of anti-diabetic drugs, or an abnormal 75g oral glucose tolerance test).

They discovered that daily tea drinkers had less insulin resistance and excreted more glucose in their urine. In comparison to people who never drank tea, they also had a 28% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and a 28% lower risk of prediabetes.

Greater advantages of dark tea

People who consumed dark tea, a particular variety of tea that contains a fermentation process involving microbes, were more susceptible to the effects.

Dark teas include Ripen Pu-erh tea, Qingzhuan brick tea, Kangzhuan brick tea, and Liubao tea.

Black tea versus fermented tea for diabetes

The authors concur that because this research was observational, it cannot conclusively show that tea consumption enhances blood sugar regulation. But Dr. Wu did offer an explanation for why it might have this effect:

“These findings suggest that the actions of bioactive compounds in dark tea may directly or indirectly modulate glucose excretion in the kidneys, an effect, to some extent, mimicking that of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2), a new anti-diabetic drug class that is not only effective at preventing and treating type 2 diabetes but also has a substantial protective effects on the heart and kidneys.”

Dr. Wu informed MNT that the research team is preparing additional investigations:

Our team is conducting a double-blind, randomized experiment to examine the therapeutic benefits of routine drinking of microbial fermented tea vs. black tea on glycemic management in individuals with type 2 diabetes, with results expected in 2024.

As Dr. Inogong stated to MNT, “It would be interesting to see if these results could be reproduced in larger populations around the world, and if the association still holds, to then study any potential mechanisms by which dark tea impacts glucose regulation.” This could be a helpful step to try and confirm their findings. “[Dark tea] would be a wonderful natural supplement to consider in a treatment plan for those at risk for or who have established type 2 diabetes, if a mechanism is discovered.” Dr. Sue Inonog.

More proof of the health advantages of tea

Tea has long been believed to be healthy, and now scientific study is beginning to support those beliefs. Black and green tea contain polyphenols, which have been demonstrated to have anti-aging effects, cardiovascular advantages, and may even help prevent some cancers. According to the most recent study, reducing the risk of diabetes could be added to that list. Unless you consume excessive amounts, there is little evidence that drinking tea is harmful to your health. According to the current study, consuming a cup of tea each day may help keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-drinking-tea-every-day-reduce-type-2-diabetes-risk
https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/drinking-tea-tied-to-lower-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/
https://www.thenationalnews.com/health/2023/10/02/drinking-dark-tea-every-day-may-reduce-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2669862/

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