Summary of Uncovering Coffee’s Role in Reducing Type 2 Diabetes Risk:
Drinking coffee may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to its impact on inflammatory biomarkers, according to a study funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee. Researchers found that a one-cup-per-day increase in coffee consumption was associated with a 4-6% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, with filtered or espresso coffee showing the strongest beneficial association. The study also found that lower subclinical inflammation may contribute to this relationship. The research complements existing evidence on the association between coffee consumption and lower diabetes risk.
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Could Coffee Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?
A new study funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) reveals that coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to its impact on inflammatory biomarkers. The study found that drinking just one additional cup of coffee per day was associated with a 4-6% lower risk of T2D among participants in two large prospective cohort studies.
Understanding the Link between Coffee and Type 2 Diabetes
T2D has long been partially viewed as an inflammatory condition. Therefore, the study aimed to explore the connection between increased coffee intake and a reduced risk of T2D by examining the impact of coffee on inflammation indicators in the body, like the C-reactive protein (CRP), which elevates in response to inflammation. Using data from the UK Biobank and the Rotterdam Study, researchers confirmed that a one-cup per day increase in coffee consumption was associated with a 4-6% lower risk of T2D and reduced inflammation.
Impact of Coffee Consumption on Insulin Resistance
The study also revealed favorable impacts such as lower insulin resistance, lower CRP, lower leptin, and higher adiponectin concentrations in cohort participants, contributing to the potentially beneficial effects of coffee consumption on T2D risk. Adiponectin is a hormone that regulates glucose and lipid metabolism, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects, and leptin is a hormone that regulates food intake and energy homeostasis.
Filtered or Espresso Coffee Benefits Outweigh Other Coffee Preparations
Filtered or espresso coffee had the strongest beneficial association with lower T2D risk and CRP concentrations, alongside being a non-smoker. These results further support previous research on the association between higher habitual coffee consumption and lower T2D risk, especially among drinkers of filtered or espresso coffee and non-smokers. The study also suggested that how coffee is prepared may impact its health benefits.
Safe Amounts of Coffee Consumption
Experts consider consuming up to 400mg of caffeine (3-5 cups of coffee) daily moderate and safe for most adults. For pregnant or lactating women, it is recommended that caffeine intake should be reduced to 200mg per day.
The Future of Coffee and Lifestyle Change
This research complements the existing body of evidence on the association between coffee consumption and a lower risk of T2D, which may contribute to the development of guidance on how nutrition and lifestyle changes support reduction strategies for non-communicable diseases like T2D. Coffee consumption has the potential to be an affordable and accessible addition to these lifestyle changes.
In conclusion, the study suggests that coffee can lower the risk of T2D. Its anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in this benefit, with filtered or espresso coffee showing the strongest beneficial association. As with any food or drink, moderation, and individual variation should be considered when incorporating coffee into a healthy lifestyle.
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