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Green Tea May Help Regulate Sugar for Diabetes Patients

Discussion in 'Endocrinology' started by Egyptian Doctor, Jul 31, 2013.

  1. Egyptian Doctor

    Egyptian Doctor Moderator Verified Doctor

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    The rate of the release of sugar from food is a significant factor in the body's need for Insulin in patients with Diabetes. Green Tea was shown to slow the absorption of sugar after a meal, reducing peak levels of glucose in the body. Black Tea has no effect on the release of sugar, and White tea may actually increase glucose levels. 

A study released on March of 2013 by the International Journal of Food Science compared Green, Black, and White teas for changes in the absorption of sugar[1]. Results are very encouraging. Green tea lowered peak glucose levels by 23%. Bagged tea was found to be more effective than loose-leaf tea, and the longer you steep your tea, the bigger the benefits.

    Anti-oxidant molecules in tea bind to starch and slow its breakdown into simple, absorbable sugar. By taking longer to break down starch, the amount of sugar release occurs over a longer period of time, and lowers the peak after a meal.

    Lowering the spike in glucose levels would help lower its damaging effects on the body in both Type I and Type II Diabetes, and especially so in patients with Glucose Intolerance. Additionally the amount of Insulin levels needed should be lower and more stable over different types of meals. By stabilizing the Insulin levels required, it would help with the guessing routine of how much to inject. This may also help to lower episodes of low blood sugar, which can be dangerous.

    No studies have been done yet proving the actual benefits for Diabetes patients or comparing different types of meals. However, these new findings show that this should help with glucose control in Diabetes patients. If you tolerate drinking tea, having a cup of Green tea with every meal should help regulate glucose levels.

    Despite these findings, you should continue to follow your Diabetic diet of avoiding foods high in sugar. Tea has stimulants that may affect your blood pressure or any heart condition. It is very important that you do not change your tea intake or present routine in the amounts of Insulin you inject before consulting with your Doctor.

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