by Robin Mayhall

Created on: January 22, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Fighting Diabetes with Tea

The results of studies with mice suggest that both green tea and black tea may be simple but effective treatments for people with diabetes mellitus (adult-onset or type 2 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 mellitus, 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 both teas 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 drink in the United States, although green tea is now widely available in supermarkets, at health food stores and on websites. The finding that both kinds of tea could be beneficial to diabetes patients suggests the drinks could be simple and inexpensive ways for humans to fight the disease. Both types of tea come in a dizzying variety of flavors, meaning there's probably a tea to appeal to almost anyone's taste buds.

Both green and black tea come in traditional tea bags or in loose leaf form and can be brewed and drunk either hot or cold. In addition, supplement capsules containing green and/or black tea are available in many health food stores and on the internet. Diabetes patients who are interested in trying herbal remedies for their condition may consider asking their doctors about these supplements. Some include other beneficial ingredients like cinnamon, also recently found to have blood sugar-lowering properties.

More studies on diabetes patients needed

The Pennsylvania study on rats showed strong findings, but more research is needed specifically, research on the effects of green or black tea on humans with diabetes mellitus. For one thing, the amount of tea the rats 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 health care 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." 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.

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