Can Tea Help With Diabetes?

Type II diabetes is one of today's most common health
conditions. As the rate of obesity has increased in this country,
so has the incidence of diabetes. It's becoming more and more
important to understand how to prevent diabetes, as well as the
best ways to treat it if we discover that we're already
affected.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or
properly use insulin, the hormone that converts sugar and other
food into energy. The most common type of diabetes seen today is
Type II, where insulin is produced (though sometimes not in a
high enough quantity), but is not used properly. This results in
a higher than normal level of blood glucose in the body. Type I
diabetes is diagnosed in childhood, and results from an inability
to produce insulin.

Doctors are not entirely sure what causes diabetes, but we do
know that family history plays a part. In addition, we know that
people who are obese and who do not get regular exercise are at a
much greater risk of developing Type II diabetes than those who
exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

Today, there are about 20.8 million people in the US with
diabetes. Nearly one third of these people don't realize they
have the disease. In addition, about 54 million people in the US
are pre-diabetic, meaning their blood glucose levels are higher
than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Complications from diabetes include blindness, kidney problems,
heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and foot and skin problems.

Prevention is critical when it comes to diabetes, and even many
people who are already pre-diabetic can reduce their blood
glucose levels naturally to prevent their pre-diabetic state from
turning into diabetes. In addition, some patients who already
have Type II diabetes are able to control their condition with
lifestyle changes.

To protect yourself from diabetes, it's critical to maintain a
healthy weight. Eat natural unprocessed foods that are rich in
fiber and nutrients. Avoid sugar and white flour, because both of
these foods tend to leave us with an excess of insulin.

Exercise every day. Not only can exercise help you keep your
weight in check, but it can help your body more effectively use
the food you consume, helping to prevent your blood sugar levels
constant.

Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight are the two most
important ways to prevent diabetes, and to help control your
insulin even if you've already been diagnosed. But, scientists
are also discovering that there might be a secret weapon in the
fight against diabetes, and it's safe and simple.

Drink tea. Both green and black teas have been shown to help
control blood sugar levels. One study, in particular, performed
by the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in Calcutta, India,
showed that tea had a significant effect on the blood glucose
levels of diabetic mice. When the mice were given tea, their
blood sugar levels stayed consistent and did not rise above
normal levels.

Tea, particularly green tea, has been shown to be effective in
preventing, and even treating, many forms of disease. It has been
shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's
disease, and even cancer. And, some studies have shown green tea
to even be an effective adjunct to traditional cancer therapies.
Some researchers have found that traditional cancer treatments,
like chemotherapy, are more effective when green tea is used in
conjunction with the treatment.

Tea helps keep insulin levels constant in the blood, helping to
regulate it naturally. Though most studies showing tea as an
effective health protector have recommended green tea over black,
this study on diabetes found no difference between the two. So,
whether your preference is green tea or black, it may be helpful
in the fight against diabetes.

For some pre-diabetics who are trying to ensure that their
problems don't progress, adding tea to your diet may be an easy
way to help get your blood sugar levels back to normal. Of
course, you will need to continue with your healthy diet and
exercise routine, as well.

And, even for those who already have Type II diabetes, a regular
regimen of tea may help you keep your blood sugar regulated with
less medication, when used along with proper diet and exercise.

Of course, as with any other alternative therapy, talk with your
doctor. Tea is not designed to replace any medications you're
already taking, and should not be used as a substitute for diet
and exercise. And, beware of drinking highly sweetened tea.
Adding sugar to the tea may negate any benefits the tea offers.
Use a doctor approved artificial sweetener if you like your tea
sweetened.

So, add some tea to your diet. Whether hot or cold, black or
green, tea is good for you. And, particularly if one of your
health goals is to prevent or treat Type II diabetes, tea may be
a simple and effective way to help meet those goals.

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Marcus Stout is the President of the Golden Moon Tea
Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest
rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly
and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website,
you can learn more about their current tea offerings,
including their exceptional green tea
(http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea), white tea,
black tea (http://www.goldenmoontea.com/blacktea),
oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea)
and chai. Visit http://www.goldenmoontea.com for
all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's
fine line of teas.