Type 2 Diabetes: Drink Tea to Control High Blood Glucose

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes an excessive increase in blood sugar (glucose) levels. The goal of diabetes treatments is to prevent blood glucose levels from exceeding normal levels. High blood sugar levels can lead to life-threatening complications for people with type 2 diabetes, such as irreversible damage to certain parts of the body, including eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels. There is, however, a simple solution that can help mitigate risks.

Tea is an essential part of most people's day. The hot drink brings many health benefits to people with type 2 diabetes and in terms of prevention.

According to Diabetes.co.uk, these include:

• Improve sensitivity to insulin
• Maintain a healthy blood pressure
• Prevent blood clots
• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
• Reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Reduce the risk of developing cancer

However, for best results, the British clbadic should be slightly modified. Research suggests that beneficial health properties are better known in tea without milk.

Researchers believe that black tea, green tea and oolong tea contain polyphenols that can increase the activity of insulin.

A 2002 US study, however, found that adding milk to tea attenuated the sensitizing effects of tea on insulin.

Tea also has preventive properties. Polyphenols are known to have antioxidant properties that can help protect against inflammation and carcinogens – key triggers in type 2 diabetes and cancer, says the charity.

Significantly, a 2009 Dutch study indicates that drinking three cups of tea (or coffee) could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 40%.

According to the NHS, there are other ways to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and to control blood sugar levels:

• Eat a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables and starchy foods like pasta
• Keep sugar, fat and salt to a minimum
• Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday – do not skip meals
• Staying active is another essential element. A physical lifestyle will help reduce weight and reduce the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The NHS recommends aiming for 2.5 hours of activity a week. It could be:

• Fast walk
• To go up the stairs
• Doing more housework or gardening

You can also control portion sizes and try to stick to a meal plan.

Diabetes UK recommends the following dietary tips for people with diabetes who are underweight

• Eat smaller meals more often. It's easier than eating three big meals and it will also help increase appetite.
• Use fatty dairy products such as milk, cream, cheese and yogurt.
• Add unsaturated fats to your food, as you can, in foods such as avocados, nuts and seeds, as well as spreads and oils, including olives, rapeseed, sunflower and peanuts. Unsaturated fats are still high in calories, but better for the heart than saturated fats.
• Serve vegetables with melted butter, cheese spread or grated cheese.
• Add cream or whole milk to foods such as mashed potatoes or soups.
• Have nutritious drinks such as smoothies and milk drinks.
• Add the milk powder to the cereals.
• Nutritional supplements, in the form of food or drink, may be helpful for some people who have difficulty gaining weight or have a low appetite. They are available by prescription.