Tea Consumption Reduces Type 2 Diabetes Risk

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Type 2 diabetes results from sugar regulation issues in the body, leading to elevated blood sugar levels that can harm various systems over time. The condition involves insufficient insulin production by the pancreas and reduced sugar uptake by cells. While once called adult-onset diabetes, it can now develop in children and adults, with rising childhood cases due to increased obesity.

A recent study aimed to investigate the association between tea consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The relationship has been a subject of interest, with inconsistent findings in previous cohort studies and meta-analyses.

Tea Consumption and Type 2 Diabetes Risk: A Comprehensive Study

This study collected data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey involving 5,199 adults without diabetes in 1997, followed up in 2009. Tea consumption was assessed using structured questionnaires, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was diagnosed based on American Diabetes Association criteria.

Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed, adjusting for various factors. Stratification and sensitivity analyses were performed, including the exclusion of early diabetes cases.

Additionally, a systematic literature search identified 19 cohort studies encompassing 1,076,311 participants for an updated meta-analysis on the link between tea consumption and T2DM risk, exploring various subgroups such as tea frequency, type, and geographical location.

Tea Consumption and Reduced Type 2 Diabetes Risk

The study analyzed tea consumption and its relation to type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Among participants, 45.76% were tea drinkers, and the T2DM incidence was 10.04%. A standard analysis found no significant difference in T2DM risk between tea-drinkers and non-tea-drinkers (HR 1.02).

Additional analyses confirmed these results. Yet, when researchers conducted a comprehensive review, a notable pattern emerged. For every extra cup of tea consumed daily, the risk of T2DM decreased by 1.4%.

In particular, those who drank four or more cups per day had the lowest risk (17% lower) compared to non-tea drinkers. The findings applied across gender, location, and tea type.

Tea Consumption Linked to Lower Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk

In conclusion, consuming tea reduces the risk of T2DM, with the most significant benefits seen at higher doses (e.g., four or more cups daily). Tea is considered a valuable component of a healthy diet, and maintaining a daily tea-drinking habit can have a clinically meaningful impact on lowering the risk of developing T2DM.

Study: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-022-05755-w