Coffee and Alcohol Linked to Reduced Diabetes

Coffee and Alcohol Linked to Reduced Risk of Diabetes

A recent study suggests that African American women who drink a moderate amount of caffeinated coffee or alcohol may have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is most often linked to obesity, age and family history. The condition occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin.

Researchers at Boston University assessed data for 46,906 African American women from the Black Women's Health Study. The study used questionnaires to evaluate the dietary intake of each woman over 12 years. Over the course of the study, 3,671 women developed type 2 diabetes.

With relative risk values of 0.82 and 0.83 respectively, the researchers found that the risk of developing diabetes was significantly less for women who drank 2-3 or more than four cups of coffee per day. Decaffeinated coffee and tea were not associated with an altered risk of diabetes. The researchers also found that women who drank 4-6 alcoholic drinks per week had a reduced risk of the condition, with a relative risk value of 0.68.

The authors concluded that drinking moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee and alcohol may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in African American women. Additional research is necessary.

Many integrative therapies have been evaluated and used traditionally for type 2 diabetes.

Several studies suggest that ginseng may help lower blood sugar levels; however, the long-term effects of its use are unclear. There is also some evidence that suggests the traditional use of guaramo extract may be effective in controlling the condition, and whey protein also shows promise in treating symptoms; however, additional research is necessary before any conclusions can be made.

References
Boggs DA, Rosenberg L, Ruiz-Narvaez EA, et al. Coffee, tea, and alcohol intake in relation to risk of type 2 diabetes in African American women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Oct;92(4):960-6. Epub 2010 Sep 8. View Abstract
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