Tea and Reduced Risk of Diabetes

As a supplement to the 4th International Scientic Symposium on Tea and Health a study (J. Nutr. 138:1584S-1588S, August 2008) was included about the effects of tea on diabetes. Diabetes impacts 194 million people worldwide with the majority of that number being type 2 diabetes. Early epidemiologic studies have shown that there is some relation between tea consumption and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Findings suggest that tea and its components may encourage glucose metabolism and diabetes through several avenues such as enhancing insulin sensitivity. This study showed that black, green and oolong tea enhanced insulin activity. Since data is limited further investigation must be completed- but I think the initial findings are significant. I have a Grandmother with diabetes and this is another reason to get her to drink tea!