Frequent intake of dark tea has the potential to considerably mitigate the risk and rate of advancement of type 2 diabetes by promoting better control of blood sugar levels, states a joint research endeavor between the University of Adelaide and Southeast University. The positive effects are attributed to the specialized microbial fermentation process involved in the production of dark tea, which results in bioactive compounds beneficial for regulating blood glucose levels.
The study outlines potential mechanisms through which the regular consumption of tea could decrease the chances of developing both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
The latest findings were disclosed at the current year’s Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg, running from October 2-6. The collaborative research by the University of Adelaide in Australia and Southeast University in China demonstrated that, in comparison to individuals who never consume tea, daily dark tea drinkers experienced a 53% reduction in the risk for prediabetes and a 47% reduction in the risk for type 2 diabetes. These statistics were calculated even after adjusting for well-established risk factors known to escalate the probability of diabetes, such as age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), average arterial blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol levels, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, family medical history of diabetes, and regular physical activity.
“The extensive health advantages of tea, including diminished risks of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, have been substantiated in numerous studies in recent times; however, the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive,” comments the co-lead author of the study, Associate Professor Tongzhi Wu from the University of Adelaide and The Hospital Research Foundation Group Mid-Career Fellow.
“Our research suggests that consistent tea consumption exerts protective effects on blood sugar management through increased urinary glucose excretion, improved insulin resistance, and consequently, more effective blood sugar control. These advantages were most marked among frequent dark tea drinkers.”
The positive metabolic effects may be ascribed to the distinct method of dark tea production, which involves microbial fermentation. This process produces a range of unique bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, free amino acids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and their derivatives, that demonstrate strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities, enhance insulin sensitivity, improve beta cell function in the pancreas, and alter gut microbiota composition.
This cross-sectional research involved 1,923 adult participants (562 men, 1,361 women aged between 20 and 80 years) from diverse communities across eight provinces in China. A total of 436 participants had diabetes, 352 had prediabetes, and 1,135 exhibited normal glucose levels.
The study surveyed participants about their tea consumption habits, both frequency and type. The research assessed the relationship between the frequency and type of tea consumed and multiple metabolic indicators including urinary glucose excretion, insulin resistance, and glycemic status.
After controlling for variations in age, sex, and other clinical and lifestyle variables, the analysis concluded that daily tea drinking was correlated with elevated urinary glucose excretion and reduced insulin resistance, as well as a 15% lower risk for prediabetes and a 28% lower risk for type 2 diabetes compared to non-tea drinkers.
The health benefits were most prominent for those who consumed dark tea, with a noted increase in urinary glucose excretion and a decrease in insulin resistance.
Associate Professor Wu stated, “Our findings point to the possibility that bioactive compounds in dark tea may modulate glucose excretion in the kidneys, to some extent mimicking the effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, a novel class of anti-diabetic medications that are not only effective in managing type 2 diabetes but also offer significant protection to the heart and kidneys.”
Professor Zilin Sun from Southeast University, the co-lead author, added, “The data imply that daily consumption of dark tea could be a simple yet effective measure people might employ to enhance their diet and health.”
While the outcomes are promising, the authors emphasize that due to the observational nature of the study, causality cannot be established. They suggest that these factors are likely contributors and are presently undertaking a double-blind, randomized trial to validate their findings. Additionally, they note that other lifestyle and physiological factors not accounted for could potentially influence the results.
Meeting: Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dark Tea and Type 2 Diabetes
What is the main finding of the research study?
The main finding of the study is that the regular consumption of dark tea can significantly reduce the risk and progression of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that dark tea improves blood sugar control, possibly due to the unique microbial fermentation process involved in its production, which results in bioactive compounds beneficial for regulating blood glucose levels.
Who conducted this research?
The research was conducted through a collaboration between the University of Adelaide in Australia and Southeast University in China. The study was presented at the Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).
How was the study conducted?
The cross-sectional study involved 1,923 adult participants from diverse communities across eight provinces in China. Various metabolic indicators were assessed in relation to the frequency and type of tea consumed, including urinary glucose excretion, insulin resistance, and glycemic status.
What are the specific percentages in risk reduction for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes?
According to the research, daily consumers of dark tea had a 53% lower risk for prediabetes and a 47% reduced risk for type 2 diabetes compared to those who never drank tea. These statistics were adjusted for various established risk factors like age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, and lifestyle choices.
What bioactive compounds are thought to be responsible for these benefits?
The bioactive compounds thought to be responsible for the benefits of dark tea include alkaloids, free amino acids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and their derivatives. These compounds are believed to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities and may enhance insulin sensitivity and improve beta cell function in the pancreas.
Are these findings conclusive?
While the findings are promising, they are not conclusive due to the observational nature of the study. The researchers are currently conducting a double-blind, randomized trial to further investigate the benefits of dark tea on blood glucose control in people living with type 2 diabetes.
What do the authors caution about the study?
The authors caution that the study’s findings cannot prove causality. They suggest that while the results indicate a correlation between dark tea consumption and improved metabolic health, other unaccounted-for lifestyle and physiological factors could potentially influence the outcomes.
More about Dark Tea and Type 2 Diabetes
- Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)
- University of Adelaide Research Publications
- Southeast University Research Programs
- Bioactive Compounds in Tea
- Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
- Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
6 comments
Dark tea? Never heard of it before. But if it really helps with blood sugar control, then why not give it a try, right?
Wow, this is groundbreaking stuff. who knew that dark tea could be so beneficial for something as serious as Type 2 diabetes?
Interesting findings! It’s amazing how natural products like tea can have such a big impact on our health. gotta try this out.
I’m always skeptical about these sorts of studies. What about other lifestyle factors? They say it’s adjusted for them, but you can never be too sure.
As a person living with diabetes, this gives me some hope. But again, i’ll wait for more conclusive studies before jumping on the dark tea train.
Well, I’m not entirely convinced yet. it’s an observational study after all, so correlation doesn’t mean causation. Waiting for that randomized trial.