Green tea, derived from unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis, has long been valued as both a beverage and traditional remedy. Modern research highlights its role in metabolic health, particularly in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These benefits are largely attributed to flavonoids, especially catechins, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most abundant and biologically active.

EGCG improves glucose metabolism by reducing hepatic glucose production, enhancing peripheral glucose uptake through increased GLUT4 expression, and improving insulin sensitivity. Additionally, green tea flavonoids exhibit strong antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and protecting pancreatic β-cells from damage, thereby helping delay diabetes-related complications.

Epidemiological and clinical studies support these mechanisms, showing that regular green tea consumption is associated with lower fasting blood glucose, reduced HbA1c levels, and improved lipid profiles. However, green tea should be considered a supportive dietary component rather than a standalone treatment, as its effectiveness depends on dosage, bioavailability, and individual metabolic differences.

In conclusion, green tea—particularly its EGCG content—offers multifaceted benefits for glycemic control and metabolic health, making it a valuable and accessible dietary aid in diabetes prevention and management.

References
 
Iso, H., Date, C., Wakai, K., Fukui, M., & Tamakoshi, A. (2006). The relationship between green tea and total caffeine intake and risk for self-reported type 2 diabetes among Japanese adults. Annals of Internal Medicine, 144(8), 554–562.
Liu, K., Zhou, R., Wang, B., Chen, K., Shi, L. Y., Zhu, J. D., & Mi, M. T. (2017). Effect of green tea on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 98(2), 340–348.
Khan, N., & Mukhtar, H. (2013). Tea and health: Studies in humans. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 19(34), 6141–6147.
Yang, C. S., & Zhang, J. (2019). Studies on the health effects of tea and its catechins: Beyond antioxidant properties. Molecules, 24(23), 4193.

Author: Dr. Kapil Dev Sindhu, Director, Cirrus Tea Hillbar