Can coffee lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

What evidence is there that regular or decaffeinated coffee can lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

Recently, in the Archives of Internal Medicine (part of a JAMA/Archives journals), new research points perhaps to coffee’s prevention qualities with regards to Type 2 Diabetes.

Researchers studied 12 years of data on coffee drinkers and those drinking 5 cups of coffee – both caffeinated and decaffeinated – were seen to have a marked lowering of risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

It was concluded that caffeine was not contributing factor, but the chemical composition of coffee that were responsible for the lowered risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

In particular, magnesium and polyphenols, found in both regular and decaffeinated coffee, have been shown to help the body process carbohydrates and antioxidants, which might protect cells in the insulin-producing pancreas.

As ever, this research points towards potential conclusions, but is not clear cut, so more research is needed to conclude that decaffeinated coffee is a sure fire way to prevent type 2 diabetes.

IMPORTANT: This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. Nothing in the content or products should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs.