Surprising data about decaffeinated coffee and diabetes

Coffee drinkers hear both pros and cons about their favorite brew, but a recent study reported in theArchives of Internal Medicine has provided information for the pro side of the argument. New evidence suggests that drinking coffee - specifically decaffeinated coffee - can reduce your risk for getting diabetes.

According to Ralph Sherman, MD, Chairperson of the Diabetes Advisory Board at MetroWest Medical Center, the outcome of such a study is not "a clarion call to introduce coffee to your diet if you are not a regular consumer of coffee."

"Risk factors are characteristics that may predispose a person to developing a disease, but do not mean you will actually get the disease," said Dr. Sherman. "Although we don't know for sure what causes diabetes, there are a variety of risk factors that we know have the potential to contribute to the onset of diabetes. Some are genetic, but many involve lifestyle factors and can be influenced by the choices we make."

The Risks

Dr. Sherman offers the following list of established risk factors for diabetes. If you have two or more of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about how to delay or prevent diabetes.

The Symptoms

Some symptoms of diabetes can be so mild you many not even notice them. Dr. Sherman suggests you pay close attention to the following indicators because they may signal the onset of diabetes. Let your doctor know if you experience any of them.

Early diagnosis of diabetes is important because early treatment can prevent serious long-term consequences. Diabetes itself can be a risk factor for many other medical problems, like cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney damage, nerve damage, and infection.

"There is no known cure for diabetes, but the disease can be controlled," said Dr. Sherman. "Diabetes education is key. By understanding your disease, you can improve your self-care skills and enhance your quality of life. By managing the disease, people with diabetes can avoid complications and enjoy long, healthy lives"

"Stepping Toward Control," a Diabetes Education Program at MetroWest Medical Center, provides people with diabetes access to the knowledge and self-care skills they need to live happier, healthier lives. Designed to inform and empower people who have been diagnosed with the disease, the program teaches participants how to manage and take control of diabetes.

While research studies continue to delve into the risk factors and causes of diabetes, the facts clearly show that complications from the disease can, in many cases, be reduced or prevented if diabetes is identified early and proper education and treatment are received soon after diagnosis.