“This study showed in a general Chinese population that habitual tea consumption, particularly dark tea, was associated with reduced risk of both prediabetes and diabetes,” Tongzhi Wu, MD, PhD, the study’s co-lead author, associate professor from the University of Adelaide, and mid-career fellow for the Hospital Research Foundation Group told Health.

Wu explained that previous studies showcase numerous benefits of tea consumption, like reduced inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity.

The new research focused on another aspect of diabetes risk.

“Our study showed that it is associated with increased urinary glucose excretion, which may also contribute to its glycemic benefits,” Wu said.

Since the study used data collected via standardized questionnaires from a community-dwelling population, Wu noted that further interventional trials are needed to validate the clinical benefits of dark tea.

But, the new study’s conclusions can still be easily adapted as a low-risk lifestyle habit.

How Dark Tea Impacts Blood Sugar and Diabetes Risk

What Is Dark Tea?

Dark tea has a variety of benefits that contribute to overall well-being, which may in turn contribute to a lowered diabetes risk.

“The catechins from oolong tea have also been shown in some studies to reduce body weight and decrease body fat,” Yogi-Morren said. “It also affects the type of bacteria in the gut that may play a role in reducing the risk of diabetes by promoting the growth of good bacteria and inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria.”

Dark tea may modulate glucose excretion in the kidney which means that more glucose may be excreted from the body lowering the risk of high blood sugars and diabetes, she explained.

Additionally, the unique fermentation process results in the creation of bioactive compounds that have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects that increase insulin sensitivity and the performance of beta cells in the pancreas.

Diabetes is caused by either decreased insulin production from the pancreas or reduced insulin sensitivity, Yogi-Morren explained. When insulin production and sensitivity are improved, there is a lower chance of developing diabetes.

Lastly, dark tea may enhance insulin action, improve insulin resistance, protect the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, remove free radicals from the body, and decrease inflammation, Yogi-Morren said.

If you’re choosing a dark tea to add to your pantry, Gutierrez recommends a natural dark tea without added artificial ingredients.

While more research is still needed to confirm dark tea’s impact on diabetes risk, adding dark tea to your routine is still a worthwhile endeavor.

“Our observations support the concept of regularly drinking tea," Wu said, "particularly dark tea, as a safe and inexpensive dietary approach, to reduce the risk of prediabetes and diabetes."