According to the American Diabetes Association, “23.6 million children and adults in the United States—7.8% of the population—have diabetes.” They also state that, “Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 2006.”

A recent study shows that coffee may reduce risk of diabetes. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry states, “Epidemiological surveys have demonstrated that habitual coffee consumption reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.”

What is Diabetes?

There are two types of Diabetes. Type 1, formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes, is found mostly in children and young adults. In this form, the body does not produce insulin at all.

Type 2 is much more common. With Type 2, the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin is ignored by the body.

What are the Symptoms?

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and Irritability
• Any of the type 1 symptoms
• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Cuts and bruises that is slow to heal
• Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
• Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Many people with Type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all.

How is Diabetes Treated?

Diabetes treatment depends upon the individual and can include a complex combination of monitoring through blood and urine checks, a healthy diet, exercise, and medications including insulin.

How Can We Prevent it?

With the sobering statistics revealed by the American Diabetes Association, doing what we can to prevent this dreaded disease should be at the top of everyone’s list.

That old adage certainly applies here; “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

A healthy lifestyle is an important part of that prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight by eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats is best. Physical activity should also be a daily part of your plan.

Check in with your doctor to discuss your concerns along with your family history. Getting tested is extremely important because many people with Type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all.

While the study and the debate go on, coffee in moderation has proven itself to be a good component in the recipe for good health.

The American Diabetes Association
Website

The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Website