Diabetes type 2: The ‘black’ drink that ‘significantly’ lowers blood sugar within minutes
Type 2 diabetes: Doctor explains impacts of the condition
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Starchy foods tend to cause levels of blood sugar – the main type of sugar found in blood – to spike. This is owing to the high carbohydrate content contained in starchy foods. Carbs are broken down quickly into glucose (blood sugar), which causes levels to soar. Normally, the hormone insulin regulates this rise in blood sugar after eating. However, people with diabetes are stripped of this mechanism.
As a result, diabetic individuals must find alternative means of countering the rise in blood sugar levels after eating.
Luckily, specific dietary decisions have been shown to counter blood sugar spikes after eating.
Black tea consumption has been shown to produce this favourable effect.
Researchers in one study noted that “only a few studies have examined the effects of black tea on postprandial glycemic control after consuming starch-rich foods”.
Postprandial glycemic control relates to the control of blood sugar levels two hours after eating.
The researchers sought to remedy this by investigating the effects black tea consumption has on post-meal blood sugar levels in healthy humans.
They also sought to identify the components of black tea that contribute to this effect.
Healthy Japanese adults ingested 200 ml of black tea, and its effect on post-meal blood sugar and insulin levels were investigated.
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The researchers found that black tea ingestion after cooked rice intake “significantly” reduced glucose (blood sugar) and insulin compared to placebo drink.
They attributed this effect in part to polyphenols – micronutrients found in tea.
General tips to lower blood sugar
As a general rule, you should go easy on foods that rank high on the glycaemic index (GI).
GI is a rating system for foods containing carbohydrates. It shows how quickly each food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is eaten on its own.
Carbs that are broken down quickly by your body and cause a rapid increase in blood glucose have a high GI rating.
High GI foods include:
- Sugar and sugary foods
- Sugary soft drinks
- White bread
- Potatoes
- White rice.
Low or medium GI foods are broken down more slowly and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar levels over time.
They include some fruit and vegetables, pulses and wholegrain foods, such as porridge oats.
Type 2 diabetes – symptoms to spot
Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising. This is because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying to
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
- Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision.
A GP can diagnose type 2 diabetes.
“You’ll need a blood test, which you may have to go to your local health centre for if it cannot be done at your GP surgery,” explains the NHS.
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