Cutting Down on Coffee Consumption Could Raise Risk of Diabetes

Previously Published on Express.co.uk – MORE and more people are affected by diabetes each year. The condition, that affects the body in a number of ways, can be difficult to manage and to treat. Furthermore, a number of factors can increase or decrease a person’s risk of the condition, and coffee is one of them. Read on for some interesting health benefits of coffee.

Around five million people in the UK have a form of diabetes. The most common type, making up around 90 percent of cases, is type two. This form of diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or the cells in the body do not react to insulin. Type one, meanwhile, accounts for the other 10 percent of cases.

Diabetes Factors

Several factors can increase or decrease a person’s likelihood of developing the condition. Including how much coffee they consume. While the initial assumption may be that coffee could increase a person’s risk of type two diabetes, in fact the opposite is the case.

According to a study from Harvard University people who cut their coffee consumption by one cup a day over a four-year period were 17 percent more likely to get diabetes. Furthermore, those who added an extra cup reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 11 percent. Although the researchers don’t know quite why coffee has this effect on the body, one theory that exists is that the act appears to promote steadier blood sugar levels. While this means coffee has a beneficial impact on the body, not all coffees are equal. An espresso or cafetiere is likely to have much higher health benefits than a coffee with sugar, whipped cream, and syrup.

Health Benefits of Coffee

• Nevertheless, it is yet another health benefit of coffee to have been identified.
• Previous studies have found the coffee can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Meanwhile, there are other factors that can affect a person’s likelihood of developing diabetes.
• According to Prevention using mouthwash can have a negative impact.

Coffee Study

A study from the University of Alabama showed those who used the substance twice a day were over 50 percent more likely to be diagnosed with type two diabetes than those who didn’t use it. Although this may sound unnerving, more research is needed to fully understand this link. Diabetes UK says a number of factors can influence a persons’ risk such as:

• Age
• Ethnicity
• Race
• High blood pressure
• Weight
• Smoking
• Gestational diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Mental health conditions.

Conclusion

As each year passes scientists are developing a better understanding of diabetes and how to treat it. In recent years new treatments have been trialled and developed, some with highly positive results. This includes the use of ultrasound and the development of an artificial pancreas. If you’re concerned that you have the symptoms of type two diabetes talk to your GP.

Previously Published on Express.co.uk