Type 2 diabetes is a life-long condition that’s caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Symptoms of diabetes include feeling very tired, loss of muscle bulk and passing urine more often than normal – particularly during the night.
You could help to prevent developing type 2 diabetes by losing weight if you’re overweight, and by regularly exercising.
But, drinking coffee everyday could also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 54 per cent, scientists have claimed.
“Regular coffee drinking has been linked to a 23–50 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Each daily cup is linked to a 4-8 per cent lower risk,” said nutritionist Adda Bjarnadottir.
“Additionally, people who drink 4–6 cups of coffee each day have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes than people who drink less than 2 cups each day.”
Dietitian Franziska Spritzler added: “Although water should be your primary beverage, research suggests that including coffee or tea in your diet may help you avoid diabetes.
“Coffee and tea have antioxidants known as polyphenols that may help protect against diabetes.”
Diabetes patients should eat some starchy foods everyday to reduce the condition’s symptoms.
Starch provides cells with energy, which helps to regulate the digestive system.
Protein is also crucial for diabetics as it helps to build and replace muscle, while protecting the heart.
At least one to two portions of oily fish a week is recommended by charity Diabetes UK.
You should see a GP if you think you may have diabetes.
Diagnosing the condition early is very important, as it tends to get worse over time.
But, it can be treated with medication to keep blood sugar at normal levels, the NHS said.
Symptoms can be minimised by making subtle lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, and eating a healthy diet.
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