Scientists have known for some time that heavy coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus), and now they have discovered why.
In 2009, the George Institute for International Health at the University of Sydney published the analysis of 18 previous studies which linked a reduced risk of developing diabetes with the consumption of coffee and tea in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Professor Rachel Huxley from the George Institute was quoted as saying, "Although it is too early to advocate for increased consumption of these beverages, identifying the active components of these beverages would potentially open up new therapeutic pathways for the primary prevention of diabetes."
This week, published in the ACS' Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, Ling Zheng, Kun Huang and fellow colleagues from China have identified the substance which is believed to block the development process of type 2 diabetes.
View article: Facts on Diabetes
Scientists' now believe that a substance called human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is apparent in the formation of type 2 diabetes.
So after Zheng and Huang decided to research coffee's beneficial effects to preventing the sometimes fatal disease, they identified two compounds found in coffee that can block or significantly inhibit production of hIAPP.
The study found that people who drink four or more cups of coffee daily have a 50 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes. And every additional cup of coffee brings another decrease in risk of almost 7 percent.
The researchers conclude "A beneficial effect may thus be expected for a regular coffee drinker".
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health problems including high blood pressure, elevated blood fats and obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, foot ulcers which and limb amputations. It's estimated that by 2031, 3.3 million Australians will have type 2 diabetes.
What is type 2 diabetes?
This is the most common type of diabetes affecting about 85 to 90 percent of those with diabetes. It often affects people aged over 50 who have a family history or who are overweight. With type 2 diabetes, cells in the body usually become insulin resistant which means insulin is no longer able to control blood glucose levels effectively.
Healthy lifestyle changes including healthy eating and regular physical activity can often delay (sometimes permanently) the need for medication. In over 50 percent of people with type 2 diabetes, successful weight management may result in normalising blood glucose levels. Regular physical activity can also play a key role in helping to improve blood glucose levels, and following this latest research, increasing your cappuccino intake can help as well.
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