The study was based on two sets of data from 74,749 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS, 1984–2008) and 39,059 men enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS, 1986–2008).
All participants were free of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at baseline. In the NHS, 7,370 incident cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus were identified during 24 years of follow-up and in the HPFS, 2,865 cases were recorded during a 22-year follow-up.
After adjustment for major lifestyle and dietary risk factors, intake of both caffeinated and caffeine-free sugar sweetened beverages was significantly associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the NHS. One serving of caffeinated sugar sweetened beverages was linked to 13% increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. In comparison, one serving of caffeine-free sugar sweetened beverages was linked to 11% increased risk.
Caffeine-free artificially-sweetened beverages were also associated with higher risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Specifically, one serving was linked to 6% increased risk.
Consumption of coffee, caffeinated or decaffeinated, was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Specifically, one serving of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee in the NHS was associated with 8% reduced risk. In the HPFS, the risk reduced was found to be 4% for caffeinated coffee and 7% for
decaffeinated coffee.
But only caffeinated tea was found associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in participants in the NHS.
The researchers concluded "Irrespective of the caffeine content, SSB (sugar sweetened beverages) intake was associated with a higher risk of T 2D (type 2 diabetes mellitus), and coffee intake was associated with a lower risk of T 2D."
Coffee and tea reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus likely because it impairs the absorption of sugar or postprandial glycemic control.
An estimated 25 million American live with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Doctors say there is no cure for diabetes, but the condition can be controlled by taking medications such as insulin therapy. However, evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disorder caused by an inadequate diet and it can be easily avoided by following a healthy diet.
Studies have shown that cinnamon and curcumin, bitter melon are all very effective in preventing type 2 diabetes melllitus. High sugar and high fat diets are risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
