Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starch and other foods into energy needed for daily living. The cause of diabetes remains a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise play a role.
Coffee reduces the risk of diabetes
Research shows that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. It is not known whether caffeine in coffee or anything else causes its protective effects.
The researchers wanted to see if there was a link between diabetes and drinking coffee and green, black and oolong tea. Participants completed a detailed questionnaire about their health, lifestyle habits and how much coffee and tea they drank. The questionnaire was repeated at the end of the 5-year follow-up period.
Among other factors, the researchers found that the more green tea and coffee participants drank, the less likely they were to develop diabetes. People who drink six cups or more of green tea or three or more cups of coffee daily are almost one-third less likely to develop diabetes. The link is stronger in women than men. No pattern was observed with black or oolong tea. (See Diabetes Symptoms)
Vitamin D and calcium reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in women
Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies may be associated with type 2 diabetes. More than 80,000 women participated in the nurses' health study. Over a 20-year period, more than 4,800 women have developed type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found that women taking more than 1,200 milligrams of calcium and more than 800 units of vitamin D have a 33% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (compared to women who take very low levels of calcium and vitamin D). Results suggest that high intake of vitamin D and calcium may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women.
Diabetes is a disorder characterized by hyperglycemia or elevated blood glucose (blood sugar). Our bodies work best at a certain level of sugar in the bloodstream. If our blood sugar level is too high or too low, we usually suffer. Diabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar level is constantly rising. Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder.
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