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Share on Pinterest New research suggests that drinking a daily cup of dark tea can help control blood sugar and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by 47%. pixdeluxe/Getty ImagesA new study suggests that drinking dark tea daily may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Dark tea consumption was linked with a 53% lower risk of prediabetes and 47% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers suggest drinking dark tea increases glucose excretion in urine and improves insulin resistance. Experts say drinking dark tea is a good blood sugar management tool, but you should consider your overall diet too.

A cup of tea is a daily staple for many people around the world. Now, a new study has found that drinking dark tea specifically may reduce your diabetes risk.

Drinking dark tea every day may help to mitigate type 2 diabetes risk and progression in adults through better blood sugar control, according to new research shared at this years Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia and Southeast University in China found that compared with never tea drinkers, daily consumers of dark tea had 53% lower risk for prediabetes and 47% reduced risk for type 2 diabetes.

This was even after taking into account established diabetes risk factors, such as age, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI).

The cross-sectional study included 1,923 adults. 436 of the participants were living with diabetes, 352 had prediabetes, and 1,135 had normal blood glucose levels. The cohort included non-habitual tea drinkers and those with a history of drinking only a single type of tea.

The researchers examined the association between both the frequency and type of tea consumption and the excretion of glucose in the urine, insulin resistance, and glycaemic status.

Commenting on the findings, co-lead author associate professor Tongzhi Wu said: Our findings hint at the protective effects of habitual tea drinking on blood sugar management via increased glucose excretion in urine, improved insulin resistance and thus better control of blood sugar. These benefits were most pronounced among daily dark tea drinkers.

So, is drinking dark tea daily an effective tool for reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes? Dark tea and diabetes risk: Whats the link?

Nutritionist Natalie Burrows is impressed by the findings. Im not hugely surprised by the findings as we know how antioxidant rich tea leaves are and how antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can support vascular health and inflammation, she says.

However, the degree to which daily consumption of unsweetened dark tea can improve an individuals risk of type 2 diabetes is remarkable. It goes to illustrate once again how powerful nature can be when we consume natural foods.

Burrows says tea leaves have been shown to contain beneficial compounds that benefit the body in a multitude of ways.

Catechins, a polyphenol (AKA an antioxidant) which are found in tea have been shown to be responsible for the regulation of insulin, blood sugar, and energy metabolism by managing the signaling pathways, she explains.

The study suggests that drinking dark tea may contribute to a reduction in diabetes risk for two reasons. Firstly, it improves insulin resistance which means being better able to control your blood sugar.

Secondly, it contributes to increased glucose excretion in your urine, meaning there is less blood sugar to actually control.

Like Burrows, nutritionist Harry Snell believes this is down to the polyphenol content of dark tea.

He explains that the hypoglycemic effects of polyphenolic compounds may inhibit carbohydrate digestion, glucose absorption, and the stimulation of insulin secretion, all of which lead to better blood sugar control.What exactly is dark tea?

Its important to remember that the study looks at the effects of dark tea specifically. Its a kind of fully oxidized tea that shouldnt be confused with black tea.

Dark tea has undergone microbial fermentation, Snell explains. Its referred to as dark because the leaves are oxidized and change color, a bit like the rusting process with iron.

A common type of dark tea is Pu-erh from China which is available online and in health shops.

Explaining the differences between dark tea, and other popular tea types, Burrows says black tea is highly oxidized, whereas green tea is unoxidized.

Meanwhile, yellow tea is slightly fermented and dark tea is post-fermentation.

The addition of fermentation may play an important role in the impact dark tea has on blood sugar regulation, she explains.

So, would experts recommend dark tea as a blood sugar management tool?

The results are positive and drinking dark tea is certainly a low-resistance way to get potential important health effects. There is also the added benefit of hydration, which can affect glucose response, says Snell.

However, he believes there are some things to consider, including:The cost of specialist teaTaste (and the addition of sugar to change it)Availability (dark tea is not available in many supermarkets)

Similarly, Burrows would recommend dark tea as a blood sugar management tool but advises drinking it unsweetened.

Adding sugar or sweetener to tea will dissolve its recognized benefits for blood sugar, she warns.

I would also recommend enjoying different teas; dark, black, green, and white for all the various benefits they have on lowering blood sugar and improving inflammation and antioxidant status, she adds. Additional actions you can take that may help reduce your diabetes risk

One thing is clear: the foods and drinks we consume can play a major role in our health outcomes. The study shows that dark tea reduces diabetes risk, but its important to consider your diet as a whole.

No single thing is a cure by itself, Snell points out. Rather, as part of a healthy diet, many different foods can be used effectively to improve health markers.

With that in mind, how else can you reduce your diabetes risk through diet? Burrows says reducing your overall intake of sugar should be your first port of call. She recommends eliminating or swapping refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, rice, and pastries.

Although these may not appear sugary, they break down to sugar during digestion, without the added benefit of fiber to slow the impact on blood sugar down.

Cutting out ultra-processed foods is another important step. These will only increase inflammation as they contain more sugar, salt, and fat. They have been linked to an increase in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and increased risk of heart attack and strokes too, Burrows explains.

Her advice is to eat as close to nature as possible. This, she explains, will encourage the consumption of whole foods with high fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to regulate blood sugar.

Finally, stay hydrated. Dehydration will increase your blood sugar levels, Burrows warns. The average person will require around two liters of water a day to replace what is used and lost during the usual function of the body, so drink up. Takeaway

The results of this new study linking daily dark tea consumption with a reduction in diabetes risk are certainly promising. Its also an easy and enjoyable way to do something good for your health.

However, its important to remember that no one food or drink is a magic bullet when it comes to your overall health.

By all means, drink dark tea daily, but its important to consider your diet as a whole, particularly when it comes to blood sugar control.

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M’s punch ALCS ticket in 15-inning instant classic

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M's punch ALCS ticket in 15-inning instant classic

SEATTLE — Jorge Polanco hit a game-ending single in the 15th inning, and the Seattle Mariners advanced to the American League Championship Series by outlasting the Detroit Tigers for a 3-2 victory Friday night.

At 4 hours, 58 minutes, it was the longest winner-take-all postseason game in baseball history and featured 15 pitchers — eight for the Mariners and seven for the Tigers.

With one out and the bases loaded, Polanco drove in J.P. Crawford with a liner to right off Tommy Kahnle. Crawford hit a leadoff single, Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch and Julio Rodriguez was intentionally walked before Polanco’s big swing on the 472nd pitch of an epic Game 5 in a tightly contested division series.

The Mariners left 12 runners on base and still advanced to the ALCS for the first time since 2001. Next up is a matchup with the AL East champion Blue Jays, beginning Sunday night in Toronto.

“We never give up,” Polanco said. “We just keep fighting. It doesn’t matter how many innings we play. We just stay ready and wait for the moment. It’s going to come. It was my time.”

Luis Castillo pitched 1⅓ innings for the win in his first major league relief appearance. Logan Gilbert, another member of Seattle’s rotation, worked two scoreless innings in his first relief outing since his college days at Stetson University in 2017.

“It was such a tough night,” Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh said. “Everyone put their other stuff aside and did everything for the team, including Logan and Luis.”

Detroit wasted a stellar performance by Tarik Skubal, who struck out 13 while pitching six innings of one-run ball. The Tigers went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left 10 on base.

“We had an incredible game today that — unfortunately, somebody had to lose, and that somebody was us, and it hurts,” manager A.J. Hinch said.

Kerry Carpenter put Detroit in front when he hit a two-run homer off Gabe Speier in the sixth inning. Carpenter had four hits and walked twice, becoming the first player to reach five times and hit a home run in a winner-take-all postseason game since Babe Ruth in 1926.

The Mariners tied it at 2 on Leo Rivas‘ pinch-hit single off Tyler Holton in the seventh. Rivas celebrated his 28th birthday with his first postseason hit.

“He was up to the task tonight,” Seattle manager Dan Wilson said. “It was a huge hit.”

Friday’s win was the Mariners’ first series-clinching victory in extra innings since Game 5 of the 1995 ALDS, a 6-5 victory in 11 innings over the Yankees.

The Associated Press and ESPN Research contributed to this report.

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Donald Trump threatens to impose additional 100% tariff on ‘extraordinarily aggressive’ China

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Donald Trump threatens to impose additional 100% tariff on 'extraordinarily aggressive' China

Donald Trump has announced the US will impose an additional 100% tariff on China imports, accusing it of taking an “extraordinarily aggressive position” on trade.

In a post to his Truth Social platform on Friday, the US president said Beijing had sent an “extremely hostile letter to the world” and imposed “large-scale export controls on virtually every product they make”.

Mr Trump, who warned the additional tariffs would start on 1 November, said the US would also impose export controls on all critical software to China.

The president added that he was imposing the tariffs because of export controls placed on rare earths by China.

He wrote: “Based on the fact that China has taken this unprecedented position, and speaking only for the USA, and not other nations who were similarly threatened, starting November 1st, 2025 (or sooner, depending on any further actions or changes taken by China), the United States of America will impose a tariff of 100% on China, over and above any tariff that they are currently paying.

“It is impossible to believe that China would have taken such an action, but they have, and the rest is history. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

President Trump says he sees no reason to see President Xi as part of a trip to South Korea. Pic: Reuters
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President Trump says he sees no reason to see President Xi as part of a trip to South Korea. Pic: Reuters

Mr Trump said earlier on Friday that there “seems to be no reason” to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a scheduled meeting as part of an upcoming trip to South Korea at the end of this month.

He had posted: “I was to meet President Xi in two weeks, at APEC, in South Korea, but now there seems no reason to do so.”

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The trip was scheduled to include a stop in Malaysia, which is hosting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, a stop in Japan and then the stop to South Korea, where Mr Trump would meet Mr Xi ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Mr Trump added: “There are many other countermeasures that are, likewise, under serious consideration.”

The move signalled the biggest rupture in relations in six months between Beijing and Washington – the world’s biggest factory and its biggest consumer.

It also threatens to escalate tensions between the two countries, prompting fears over the stability of the global economy.

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Sky’s Siobhan Robbins explains why Donald Trump didn’t receive the Nobel Peace Prize

Friday was Wall Street’s worst day since April, with the S&P 500 falling 2.7%, owing to fears about US-China relations.

China had restricted the access to rare earths ahead of the meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi.

Under the restrictions, Beijing would require foreign companies to get special approval for shipping the metallic elements abroad.

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World

Hamas official thanks Donald Trump for ceasefire deal – but tells Sky News Tony Blair not welcome

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Hamas official thanks Donald Trump for ceasefire deal - but tells Sky News Tony Blair not welcome

A senior Hamas official has thanked President Donald Trump for his role in securing a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News’ lead world news presenter Yalda Hakim, senior Hamas official Dr Basem Naim also warned that former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair would not be welcome in any post-war role for Gaza.

Latest updates: Palestinians head back north – as Israel pulls troops back

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a first phase of a peace deal brokered by the US president, with a ceasefire taking effect on Friday.

Dr Naim said the ceasefire would not have been possible without President Trump, but insisted he needed to continue to apply pressure to Israel to stick to the agreement.

He added that Hamas would be willing to step aside for a Palestinian body to govern a post-war Gaza, but that they would remain “on the ground” and would not be disarmed.

Dr Naim said in the interview: “Without the personal interference of President Trump in this case, I don’t think that it would have happened to have reached the end of the war.

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“Therefore, yes, we thank President Trump and his personal efforts to interfere and to pressure Israel to bring an end to this massacre and slaughtering.”

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He added: “We believe and we hope that President Trump will continue to interfere personally and to exercise the maximum pressure on [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu to fulfil its obligation.

“First, as according to the deal, and second, according to the international law as an occupying power, because I think without this pressure, without this personal interference from President Trump, this will not happen.

“We have already seen Netanyahu speaking to the media, threatening to go to war again if this doesn’t happen, if that doesn’t happen.”

Donald Trump has been thanked for his role in securing a peace deal in Gaza. Pic: AP
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Donald Trump has been thanked for his role in securing a peace deal in Gaza. Pic: AP

Questions remain over the next phases of the peace plan, including who will govern Gaza as Israeli troops gradually pull back and whether Hamas will disarm – as called for in Mr Trump’s ceasefire plan.

Mr Netanyahu has hinted that Israel might renew its offensive if Hamas does not give up its weapons.

However, Dr Naim said Hamas would not completely disarm and that weapons would only be handed over to the Palestinian state, with fighters integrated into the Palestinian National Army.

“No one has the right to deny us the right to resist the occupation of armies,” he said.

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Thousands of Gazans are heading north as Israeli troops pull back.

On future governance, Dr Naim criticised plans for Sir Tony to play any role in overseeing the future of Gaza, saying that Hamas and Palestinians were angered by his role in previous wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Dr Naim added: “When it comes to Tony Blair, unfortunately, we Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims and maybe others around the world have bad memories of him.

“We can still remember his role in killing, causing thousands or millions of deaths to innocent civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“We can still remember him very well after destroying Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Under Mr Trump’s plans, Sir Tony would form part of an international supervisory body.

The international body, the Council of Peace or Board of Peace, would govern under plans approved by Mr Netanyahu.

Read more:
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Could the Gaza deal lead to something even bigger?

The body would hold most power while overseeing the administration of Palestinian technocrats running day-to-day affairs.

It would also hold the commanding role of directing reconstruction in Gaza.

Sir Tony Blair has been told he would not be welcome in a post-war Gaza. Pic: PA
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Sir Tony Blair has been told he would not be welcome in a post-war Gaza. Pic: PA

Dr Naim added that Hamas was satisfied Mr Trump’s plan would achieve peace in Gaza.

But he said it could never be fully satisfied after accusing Israel of genocide.

Israel has continually denied this, claiming it has been fighting Hamas terrorists to defend itself following the October 7 massacre in 2023.

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