How to Drink Tea Properly for People with Diabetes

Tea offers many health benefits, but how should you drink it correctly?
Keep in mind the “Three Rules” for drinking tea:
Rule 1: Avoid strong tea; drink light tea in moderation
Tannic acid in strong tea binds to iron and protein like glue, preventing absorption. Over time, this may lead to anemia or stomach discomfort.Do not drink excessive amounts.Recommended: 5–15 grams of tea leaves per day, brewed into 200–800 mL of light-colored tea.
Rule 2: Do not drink before bed
Caffeine in tea stimulates the nervous system, like “winding up” the brain, and easily causes insomnia.
Rule 3: Do not drink on an empty stomach
Drinking tea on an empty stomach dilutes gastric juice, impairs appetite and digestion, and increases the risk of stones.Recommended: Drink tea 30 minutes after meals to avoid affecting digestion while maximizing benefits.
Also pay attention to these “Six Notes”:

Choose tea wiselyFor better glycemic control, choose green tea or oolong tea, which retain more tea polyphenols.If you have a sensitive or cold stomach, choose black tea or Pu‑erh tea.
Rinse tea with warm waterUse 60°C warm water for a quick rinse if concerned about dust. Boiling water destroys beneficial compounds.Spring tea has low pesticide levels and can be brewed directly occasionally.
Brew properlyTea leaves are good for 3–4 infusions; further brewing yields no nutrition and only a bitter taste.Use boiled, cooled purified water — avoid pouring boiling water directly on leaves.
Never take medicine with teaTea compounds affect drug efficacy.Take oral medications with plain water and allow time between medicine and tea.Avoid tea while taking tonic herbal medicines.
Do not drink overnight teaOvernight tea may breed bacteria, like spoiled soup — especially in summer.If you do not want to waste it, use it to water plants.
Store new tea before drinkingFreshly processed tea contains high levels of irritant compounds that may cause nausea, fatigue, or stomach pain.Let new tea sit for 2 weeks to 1 month before drinking.

Tea is a helpful daily companion for glycemic control, but only if you drink it properly.Choose the right tea and follow these guidelines to fully enjoy its benefits!