ABSTRACT:

Background

Coffee consumption has been shown to be inversely associated to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but evidence in Chinese populations is limited. We investigated the relationship between coffee consumption and T2DM in a population-based cohort of middle-aged Chinese. Materials and methods  We studied 2332 subjects who participated in the Taichung Community Health Study in Taiwan in 2004. The relationships between coffee consumption, T2DM and fasting glucose were assessed.

Results

The prevalence of T2DM was 14•0% and 10•4% in men and women. After adjustment for age, body mass index, blood pressure, smoking, alcohol drinking, betel nut chewing, physical activity, income, education level, fat%, protein%, carbohydrate% and magnesium, coffee intake was inversely associated with T2DM. Habitual coffee drinkers had 38-46% lower risk of T2DM than nondrinkers. Compared to nondrinkers, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for T2DM according to subjects with habitual coffee consumption (< 1, 1-6, ≥ 7 times per week) were 0•77 (0•52-1•13), 0•46 (0•28-0•76) and 0•37 (0•16-0•83), respectively. The decreasing ORs indicate a dose-response effect of coffee consumption on the likelihood of having T2DM (P < 0•001). A similar relationship was also evident in newly diagnosed T2DM (P < 0•05). The adjusted mean fasting glucose levels gradually decreased as the frequency of coffee consumption increased (P < 0•05).

Conclusions

Coffee intake is inversely associated with T2DM in Chinese. Coffee may be a protective agent for T2DM in Chinese.