Yerba mate – a natural ally in the fight against diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that requires conscious planning of the daily diet and avoiding products that increase blood sugar levels. It is no wonder, then, that many people struggling with this condition ask the question: can a diabetic drink yerba mate? Mate tea, a beverage with South American roots, has been recognised for centuries both for its taste, its stimulating effects and its potential health-promoting properties. But what is the case in the context of diseases such as diabetes? Let's take a closer look at how yerba mate can affect blood sugar levels and what to look out for when choosing this beverage.

Summary:

1. Diabetes – a disease of civilisation in the 21st century
2. Yerba mate and blood sugar levels
3. Yerba mate for diabetics. What is worth knowing?
4. Yerba mate and diabetes – summary of key information

Diabetes – a disease of civilisation in the 21st century

Before we get to the main issue of today's blog post, the relationship between yerba mate and diabetes, let's explain what this disease actually is. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that leads to abnormal blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is estimated that more than 400 million people worldwide are currently affected, and this number is growing. Primarily, there are two main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 diabetes – an autoimmune condition in which the body fails to produce insulin, a key hormone that regulates sugar levels.
2. Type 2 diabetes – a condition associated with insulin resistance, whereby the body does not use insulin efficiently, leading to hyperglycaemia, or elevated glucose levels.

Although diabetes cannot be completely cured, there are ways to control its symptoms and minimise its effects. In both cases, it is important to manage blood sugar levels to avoid complications. When incorporating new products into their diet, people with diabetes need to be aware of the impact a substance can have on their metabolism – and this is where the question arises: yerba and diabetes – is it a good choice?

It is worth mentioning that in November, we celebrate World Diabetes Day – a day that is extremely important for raising awareness of the disease, its prevention and effective methods of managing it on a daily basis. This is the perfect time to learn more about how yerba mate can support people with diabetes.

Yerba mate and blood sugar levels

The link between diabetes and yerba mate has fascinated scientists for years. Scientific studies suggest that yerba mate may have a positive effect on blood sugar metabolism. The main ingredient in the brew is the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, which – in addition to stimulating caffeine – contain a wealth of polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids and vitamins. These compounds, it turns out, can influence glucose metabolism, which is very important for people with diabetes. Chlorogenic acid is particularly valuable in this regard. This natural ingredient can increase the body's sensitivity to insulin and slow the release of glucose into the blood. Furthermore, long-term studies suggest that regular consumption of yerba mate may even reduce the risk of diabetes.

It is also worth noting studies that have shown that regular consumption of yerba mate can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. One such study, conducted on a group of patients, noted improvements in glycaemic control when yerba mate was included in the diet. What's more, the holly infusion can affect the body's sensitivity to insulin, which is extremely important for people with insulin resistance. So, if you are wondering whether there is a link between yerba mate and insulin – the answer is yes! Yerba mate can support better performance of this hormone.

Yerba mate for diabetics. What is worth knowing?

Knowing the potential benefits of yerba mate for people with diabetes, it is worth considering how to incorporate this brew into the daily diet. There are several important points that diabetics should be aware of:

• No added sugars – natural yerba mate does not contain sugars or additives that can raise blood glucose levels. However, it is important to avoid sweetened and flavour-enhanced variants of yerba mate and instead choose pure, classic blends, with the possible addition of natural herbs or fruits. People with diabetes may consider drinking yerba mate with honey, but moderation is recommended in this regard.
• Energy surge without sugar – yerba mate is known for its stimulating effect due to its caffeine content. However, unlike coffee or energy drinks, it stimulates in a gradual and sustained manner, without causing a sudden surge of energy (or sugar levels). This is important for people who need a good source of energy, without the risk of glucose drops after an “energy peak”.
• Yerba mate and glycaemic control – thanks to its antioxidant properties, yerba mate can help to alleviate inflammation and improve cardiovascular function, which can also support glycaemic control.

People with diabetes can therefore confidently consider yerba mate as a safe drink to help control blood sugar. However, as always in such a case, it is worth consulting your doctor before introducing a new element of your diet.

Yerba mate and diabetes – summary of key information

To the question: can a diabetic drink yerba mate? – in most cases, the answer is yes, and it can even be beneficial to health. Mate tea, with its sugar-regulating and insulin-supporting properties, finds its place as a potential support in the diet of diabetics. However, remember to choose your infusion accordingly – natural, unsweetened and unflavoured versions will be most suitable. Although research on yerba mate in the context of diabetes is showing promising results, it is still an open topic and still requires a lot of analysis. It is good to approach the subject sensibly and always take into account the individual needs of the body.

Yerba mate for diabetics can therefore prove to be a great solution – not only providing energy, but also supporting metabolic processes. If you are diabetic and love the taste of mate tea, this is a drink that can confidently accompany you in your daily life. Drink healthily, in moderation and enjoy a South American ritual that can support your body!

Source of information:

1. Wikipedia: Mate (drink), Diabetes, Wold Diabetes Day.
2. C.I. Heck, E.G. De Mejia, Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations, Journal of Food Science, 2007.
3. G. A. Klein et al., Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis) Improves Glycemic and Lipid Profiles of Type 2 Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Individuals: A Pilot Study, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2013.
4. El consumo de mate puede ayudar a frenar la diabetes, Diario Popular, 2018.
5. A. Alkhatib i inni, Functional Foods and Lifestyle Approaches for Diabetes Prevention and Management, Nutrients 2017.
6. B. Sarriá et al., Yerba mate may prevent diabetes according to a crossover, randomized, controlled study in humans, Proceedings of The Nutrition Society, 2020.