In France, over 3.5 million people are affected by diabetes. Every year, diabetes continues to progress, affecting several million people.
In fact, the disease is expected to affect more than 780 million adults worldwide by 2045.
Researchers are investigating how to reduce this disease through a drink! Scientists believe that daily consumption of this specific drink can help control blood sugar levels. Let’s find out!
What is diabetes?
« Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by the presence of excess sugar in the blood, called hyperglycemia. Prolonged hyperglycemia in diabetes can lead to numerous complications, » explains the French Ministry of Health and Prevention.
Type 2 diabetes is the most widespread form, affecting over 90% of patients. Its prevalence is constantly increasing worldwide.
This increase is closely linked to changes in lifestyle habits, notably diets (too high in fat and/or sugar) and levels of physical activity (in constant decline).
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a reduced sensitivity of the cells to insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas to facilitate glucose absorption by the cells. This in turn leads to a higher demand for insulin, pushing pancreatic cells to produce more of it, to the point of exhaustion.
The miracle drink for blood sugar control!
According to a recent study conducted by the University of Adelaide in Australia and Southeast University in China, drinking black tea every day could help regulate blood sugar levels! As a result, it could help reduce the risk and slow the progression of type 2 diabetes.
In this study, researchers analyzed 1,923 adults, including 436 diabetics, 352 pre-diabetics (at high risk of type 2 diabetes) and 1,135 with normal blood sugar levels.
Participants were questioned about their tea consumption, then their urine was analyzed. The results provided data on urine glucose, insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose levels.
The result? Tea consumption could reduce the risk and development of type 2 diabetes!
Opt for black tea!
And yes! Drinking black tea every day can helpreduce the risk and progression of type 2 diabetes in adults! How? By improving glycemic control!
« The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia and Southeast University in China, found that compared to never tea drinkers, daily black tea drinkers had a 53% lower risk of pre-diabetes and a 47% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, » summarizes the study.
« Our results suggest protective effects of habitual tea consumption on glycemic management via increased excretion of glucose in the urine, improved insulin resistance and thus better glycemic control. These benefits were more pronounced in daily black tea drinkers, » explain the researchers!
However, the researchers stress the observational nature of the study and call for clinical trials to confirm these results.