Share on Pinterest Lucas Ottone/StocksyA new report found that having one additional cup of coffee each day was linked to a 4 to 6% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.The new study measured various hormones and inflammatory markers in coffee drinkers.It suggests that coffee may have anti-inflammatory effects along with an impact on hormones.

Drinking coffee every day may help lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, according to new research.

The report, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition Wednesday, found that having one additional cup of coffee each day was linked to a 4 to 6% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Past research has associated coffee with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but the mechanisms behind the beverages effects havent been well understood.

The new study, which measured various hormones and inflammatory markers in coffee drinkers, suggests that coffee may have anti-inflammatory effects along with reducing insulin resistance, lowering with a significant impact on hormones including leptin and adiponectin.

According to Dr. Marilyn Tan, an endocrinologist and the chief of the Stanford Endocrine Clinic, inflammation can increase insulin resistance and therefore ones diabetes risk. Tan was not involved in the study.

The suggestion that coffee reduces inflammatory markers is helpful at elucidating the mechanism by which coffee may improve insulin [sensitivity] or blood sugars, Tan told Healthline. Coffee may reduce inflammation in the body

The researchers evaluated the health data of 152,479 individuals sourced from the UK Biobank and the Rotterdam Study.

They looked at how much coffee the individuals drank daily between 0 to around 6 cups along with the incidence of type 2 diabetes over a period of up to 13 years.

The team also evaluated measures of insulin resistance and concentrations of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, and adiponectin, via fasting blood samples.

The team found that having an extra cup of coffee each day was associated with a 4 to 6% lower risk of diabetes.

Higher coffee consumption was associated with lower levels of CRP and leptin, pro-inflammatory markers, and higher levels of interleukin-13 and adiponectin concentrations, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

Adiponectin has an insulin-sensitizing effect that can help lower blood glucose levels.

The researchers suspect that coffee helps reduce inflammatory biomarkers that are known to increase when inflammations in the body, as is the case with type 2 diabetes.

The researchers also believe that the type of coffee matters filtered or espresso coffee was associated with the greatest risk reduction.

The findings are in line with previous research that has identified a link between higher levels of coffee intake and lower risk of type 2 diabetes across different populations and demographics, says Andrew Odegaard, PhD, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, Irvine.

The mediating estimates of inflammation provide evidence on a key hypothesized mechanism, Odegaard said, noting that more evidence is needed to understand the potential mechanisms. Enjoy your coffee, but dont rely on it

Tan says people with diabetes and those at risk for the condition should feel comfortable drinking black coffee or espresso, however, she wouldnt necessarily prescribe it to people looking to protect themselves.

There are other measures that have been better studied to reduce diabetes risk, cardiovascular risk, weight, and overall health, Tan said.

To lower ones risk of diabetes, Tans suggests getting more physical activity, limiting sedentary time, avoiding smoking and alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and, if possible, avoiding certain medications that can increase hyperglycemia.

She also encourages people to be mindful of the type of coffee they drink.

I would also remind patients that the study noted the most benefit from filtered coffee or espresso and not from coffee beverages that can contain very high amounts of sugar and fat, Tan said. The bottom line:

A new study found that drinking one additional cup of coffee each day was linked to a 4 to 6% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers believe that coffee may have anti-inflammatory effects and may impact hormones that affect blood glucose levels. While these findings, in addition to past evidence, suggest coffee may have anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects, endocrinologists recommend sticking with the preventative measures that are known to work: exercise, eat healthy, dont smoke, and limit alcohol.