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Could green tea help diabetics?Green tea is widely consumed in China and Japan; it has been studied for its potential as a weight management aid and a powerful antioxidant to reduce chronic disease risk. Green tea is rich in plant substances known as polyphenols (the flavonoids catechin and epicatechin are especially abundant in green tea), which are thought to be responsible for its reputed health benefits. Epidemiological studies in Japan have reported that cancer patients who consumed more than 10 cups green tea per day extended their survival by approximately four to six years, compared to those who drank fewer than three cups per day. Adult onset, or Type 11, diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent; the condition is associated with being overweight and an excess consumption of carbohydrates such as white rice, crisps and breakfast cereals that result in a rapid influx of glucose into blood and a corresponding production of large amounts of insulin to control the blood sugar. Diabetes develops when cells become resistant to the action of insulin and a state of continuous hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) results. Preliminary research suggests green tea has no effect on blood sugar or insulin levels in patients with diabetes, however a new study provides strong evidence that green tea may actually have significant benefits for these individuals. 60 subjects participated in the trail; all had elevated fasting and non-fasting blood glucose levels. The Early intervention group consumed green tea extract powder for two months and were monitored for a further two months. The Late Intervention group were monitored for two months, then received green tea extract which they consumed for a further two months. Daily intake of polyphenols from the supplement was 544mg (456mg catechins). Measures of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were taken at baseline, two months and four months; HbA1c is the name given to red blood cells that have glucose attached to them, and measuring them can highlight the amount of glucose that has been in blood over the previous 6-12 weeks. A significant reduction in HbA1c level and a borderline significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (blood pressure when the heart is resting between beats) was associated with the intervention. This exciting study suggests that, as part of a balanced diet and active life-style, supplementing with a green tea extract may help support diabetes management. |