History of Ceylon Tea

DIABETES type 2 symptoms can take a long time to develop - some people with the condition won’t show any signs at all. But the condition left untreated can lead to more serious problems. To avoid this type of diabetes developing in the first place or to control blood sugar it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Does this mean you should be adding milk to your tea?

Diabetes type 2 symptoms can be difficult to detect, but when they do show they may include feeling tired during the day, blurred vision, sudden weight loss, and slow healing of cuts or wounds.

It’s a lifelong condition that can affect your everyday life, and left untreated it can cause a number of complications, for example eye problems, foot problems, heart attack and stroke.

To control your blood sugar level it’s advised people with this type of diabetes make changes to their diet - eating a healthy, balanced diet is key.

Tea is one of the nation’s favourite drinks and past research has proved its health benefits.

But what particular teas should you be drinking, and should you be adding milk?

"The properties in tea can help to prevent type 2 diabetes as well as cancer"

Teas such as black tea, green tea and oolong tea contain polyphenols which are believed to increase insulin activity, according to Diabetes.co.uk.

But an American study of 2002 found the addition of milk in tea decreased the insulin-sensitising effects of tea.

So how can tea prevent diabetes?

The diabetes experts explain: “Polyphenols are known to have anti-oxidative properties which can help protect against inflammation and carcinogens. In other words, the properties in tea can help to prevent type 2 diabetes as well as cancer.

“A Dutch study from 2009 indicates that drinking three cups of tea (or coffee) could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 40 per cent.”

Your body is made up of nearly two-thirds water, so it’s important to drink enough fluid every day to stay hydrated and healthy.

So what other drinks best control blood sugar levels? Diabetes UK lists five.

Water

Water is the best all-round drink, according to the charity.

It adds: “If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

“Children often need reminding to drink, so give them a colourful water bottle with a funky straw.

Herbal teas

Herbal teas can make a refreshing change and most are caffeine-free, says the diabetes experts.

Fruit juices

Fruit juices that are 100 per cent juice contain vitamins and minerals and 150ml provides one portion of our five a day, according to the charity.

But it warns: “Fruit juices only count as one portion, however much you drink. They can harm teeth, so for children, dilute with water and drink at meal times.”

Because the signs of diabetes type 2 may come on slowly, or may not show at all, so it can be up to 10 years before you find out you have it.

So it’s important to know the risk factors for diabetes type 2 so you can do something about it.