Diabetes-Friendly Teas to Enjoy

Introduction

In recent decades, diabetes has become increasingly prevalent. Nearly 26% of people in the world with diabetes are from India.

India is the most affected country in the world with diabetes. And about 90% of people in India are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, you can control and prevent it by adopting a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet.

Teas and herbal infusions have the potential to help prevent and manage diabetes. Choosing the right type of tea is the key to managing diabetes.

Read through this blog to know how tea can help in managing diabetes.

Beneficial Teas That Help Manage Diabetes

Chamomile Tea

Unhealthy lifestyles like poor diet, not exercising regularly, obesity, smoking and drinking alcohol are all the driving factors of oxidative stress which is the cause of diabetes.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals that cause cell damage (unstable atoms or oxygen molecules in the body) and the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms.

This imbalance can lead to increased insulin resistance, which prevents your body cells from absorbing glucose effectively.

The antioxidant effects of flavonoids in Chamomile tea help reduce oxidative stress and manage insulin resistance.

Studies show that drinking chamomile tea significantly increases antioxidant levels, which helps fight oxidative stress and prevents diabetes.

Black Tea

The more you eat, the higher the level of sugar will be released in your body. So, it is important to control Postprandial glycemic (management of blood sugar levels after meals)

Consuming black tea improves postprandial glycemic control in normal and pre-diabetic people by strengthening the body’s ability to manage sugar.

The potent plant compounds theaflavins and thearubigins in black tea help lower blood sugar and may enhance the body's response to insulin, making it easier to manage glucose levels.

Green Tea

It is important to control your blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, and stroke, most importantly for a long-term quality of life.

Green tea consumption will help control your blood sugar level.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a type of plant-based compound called catechin that is found abundant in green tea.

EGCG inhibits the genes that control the process of gluconeogenesis (metabolic process that occurs in the liver and kidneys to maintain blood glucose levels) which helps control your blood sugar levels

Hibiscus Tea

The main factors of insulin sensitivity are excess body fats, especially around your belly and lack of physical activity.

If you have prediabetes, then you must be cautious about your body fat as it is the cause of diabetes and other serious health problems.

Hibiscus tea will help improve your insulin sensitivity and support weight loss by reducing your body fat.

Anthocyanins, a compound found in hibiscus, helps manage glucose intolerance. This intolerance can lead to high blood sugar levels, which is the cause of diabetes.

The Anthocyanin compound helps the muscles and adipose tissues (fat cells) in your body absorb glucose easily, which controls your blood sugar levels, making it easier to manage diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity.

Moringa Tea

High blood sugar can be a serious health problem and could become dangerous if left unchecked.

Isothiocyanates, a bioactive plant compound found in moringa, plays an important role in managing blood sugar levels. They work by helping to stabilize the release of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar.

Moringa tea helps the body to utilize insulin more efficiently by improving how insulin interacts with cells to absorb and process glucose. It also helps to reduce blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon Tea

The popular cinnamon spice is reported to have anti-diabetic properties and helps control blood sugar levels after your meal.

Cinnamaldehyde, a compound in cinnamon tea, acts like insulin and improves insulin sensitivity, helping with the absorption of glucose into cells for energy production by making more effective use of insulin.

Best Practices to Manage Your Diabetes

1. It is better to opt for tea without sugar or any sweeteners to manage diabetes.
2. For better results, drink 3 to 4 cups of black tea or green tea daily to prevent and manage diabetes.
3. Pregnant women must limit the intake of caffeinated tea and must consult their doctor regarding the intake of caffeine free and low caffeine tea.
   If there are ingredients containing black tea or green tea, then it is caffeinated.
4. Prefer drinking herbal tea as most herbal teas do not contain caffeine.
5. Some herbal teas may reduce the effect of your medicines, so it is always advisable to consult your doctor before drinking tea while under medication.

Conclusion

Managing your diabetes is essential for a healthy well-being and preventing potential complications that could significantly affect the quality of your life.

Did you know certain teas contain compounds that may benefit you with diabetes? But research has shown that green tea, hibiscus, cinnamon, chamomile, and black tea have anti-diabetic properties and offer significant benefits in managing diabetes.

Live a healthy life and manage your diabetes through regular exercise, dietary controls, and regular blood sugar monitoring.

Faqs About Tea and Diabetes

1. Can diabetes patients drink milk tea?
   It is better to avoid drinking milk tea. Check blood sugar after drinking milk tea to understand your body’s response. If you wish to drink milk tea, consider limiting the amount of milk and drink it without sugar for better results.
2. How much tea can you drink if you have diabetes?
   Moderate consumption of tea is generally safe for people with diabetes. Drinking 2-3 cups of herbal, black and green tea is recommended.
3. Can I drink tea before bed if I have diabetes?
   Herbal teas such as Chamomile tea and low caffeine green tea can be relaxing and a sugar-free option before bedtime. So, if you prefer drinking tea before, choose this option.