Regular consumption of this kombucha tea could help reduce fasting blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, says a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers at Georgetown University Hospital. The study has uncovered potential benefits of kombucha tea for diabetic patients. With diabetes reaching alarming levels worldwide, this discovery could hold the key to managing the condition and improving the lives of millions.
Understanding Type-2 diabetesDiabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people globally. It occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use the insulin it produces effectively. Insulin is a crucial hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia, can lead to severe health complications over time, affecting the nervous system and blood vessels.
According to the World Health Organization, India alone has an estimated 77 million adults suffering from type 2 diabetes and nearly 25 million more at risk. This condition increases the likelihood of numerous health issues, including heart problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye complications.
The potential of Kombucha teaKombucha tea, known for its potential health benefits, including anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective properties, has made the researchers curious. It is prepared by fermenting sweetened tea with a blend of bacteria and yeasts. Scientists suspected that compounds produced during fermentation might play a role in promoting health.
What is the research?The study, conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center, involved 12 adult patients with type 2 diabetes. They were divided into two groups, with one group consuming 240 ml of kombucha daily and the other group receiving a placebo drink. The trial lasted for eight weeks, with participants switching drinks after a four-week break. The trial was double-blinded, ensuring both researchers and participants remained unaware of which drink they were consuming.
After four weeks of kombucha consumption, participants showed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. This effect was not observed among those consuming the placebo drink. The microbiological analysis of kombucha revealed the presence of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and yeast, which could be responsible for its beneficial effects.
The findings suggest that kombucha might help lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The tea may have curbed participants' appetites, leading to smaller meals and ultimately reducing fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, previous studies have indicated that kombucha can boost insulin production and reduce glucose absorption in the intestine.
Despite these encouraging results, more extensive studies with larger sample sizes are required to establish the full scope of kombucha's health benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes. This research offers hope for those living with diabetes, providing a potential natural alternative to manage their condition.
What are the risk factors?While genetic factors can play a role, lifestyle choices and risk factors significantly contribute to the development of this disease. Fortunately, many of these risk factors are modifiable, and with proactive steps, type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed. Here, we'll explore some of the key risk factors and effective prevention techniques for type 2 diabetes. One of the most significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes is excess body weight, especially abdominal fat. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats contributes to obesity and insulin resistance. A family history of diabetes can increase your risk, indicating a genetic predisposition. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after the age of 45. Certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
