Treating Diabetes with Tea
Studies Show Drinking Tea can Help Fight Diabetes
The results of studies with mice suggest that both green tea and black tea may be simple but effective treatments for people with the disease, also called diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes. Researchers say more studies are needed, but early results are positive.
Tea Helped Mice with Diabetes
A study conducted at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania showed that both green and black tea reduced blood sugar levels and inhibited the development of cataracts, a major complication of diabetes, in diabetic mice. The mice were given the teas in freeze-dried form for three months.
Green tea has gained popularity in recent years for a number of health benefits, including reduction of LDL or "bad" cholesterol, cancer prevention, and enhancement of weight loss. Green tea is packed with polyphenols, antioxidant compounds that counteract the damaging effects of free radicals on the body.
Earlier studies showed that both kinds of tea also inhibit atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque on arterial walls. Since diabetes is related to and worsened by obesity and cardiovascular disease, both risk factors for atherosclerosis, the effects of green and black tea are significant.
Both Black and Green Tea Found Effective on Diabetes
Black tea is the more commonly known variety in the United States, although green tea is now widely available in regular supermarkets and convenience stores as well as at health food stores and on websites. The finding that both kinds of tea could be beneficial to diabetics suggests these drinks could be simple and inexpensive ways to fight the disease. Both types of tea come in many different flavors to tempt the taste buds.
Both green and black tea can be purchased in traditional tea bags or in loose leaf form. Both can be drunk either hot or cold, but research indicates that adding milk or cream to the tea may reduce its beneficial effects.
Supplement capsules containing green and/or black tea are available in many health food stores and on the internet. Some of these supplements include other beneficial ingredients like cinnamon, also recently found to have blood sugar-lowering properties. Check out the related article Diabetes Treatment from the Kitchen for more information.
Diabetics who are interested in trying herbal remedies for their condition should ask their doctors before taking these or other supplements.
More Studies on Tea and Diabetes Needed
The Pennsylvania study on mice showed strong findings, but more research is needed — specifically, research on the effects of green or black tea on humans with type 2 diabetes. For one thing, the amount of tea the mice received was the equivalent of about five cups a day for a human. Further studies should be done to determine optimum intake levels to get the beneficial effects of tea.
It is also important to note that drinking a few cups of tea won't automatically bring your blood sugar under control. Tea, cinnamon, or any other supplement should be used as part of an overall diabetes management program you develop along with your healthcare provider.
Still, with few known negative effects, tea could be a pleasant addition to the diabetes patient's daily routine. You may even sprinkle cinnamon in your "nightcap" or enjoy it with a piece of plain dark chocolate.
Check with your doctor first, because both green and black tea contain caffeine, which some diabetics should avoid. And don't overdo it on cream or sugar, which could counteract any positive results.
Black tea is more common in the U.S.
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Tea comes in bags or loose leaf form.
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