Coffee consumption, type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in Swedish men and women

Objectives. The association between coffee consumption, type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance was examined. In addition, indicators of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function according to homeostasis model assessment were studied in relation to coffee consumption. Design. Population-based cross-sectional study. Setting and subjects. The study comprised 7949 healthy Swedish subjects aged 35-56 years residing within five municipalities of Stockholm. An oral glucose tolerance test identified 55 men and 52 women with previously undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and 172 men and 167 women with impaired glucose tolerance. Information about coffee consumption and other factors was obtained by questionnaire. Results. The relative risks (adjusted for potential confounders) of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance when drinking greater than or equal to5 cups of coffee per day compared with less than or equal to2 cups per day in men were 0.45 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.22-0.92] and 0.63 (CI: 0.41-0.97), respectively, and in women 0.27 (CI: 0.11-0.66) and 0.47 (CI: 0.29-0.76) respectively. In subjects with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, high coffee consumption (greater than or equal to5 cups day(-1)) was inversely associated with insulin resistance. In addition, in those with type 2 diabetes and in women (not in men) with impaired glucose tolerance high coffee consumption was inversely associated with low beta-cell function. In women, but not obviously in men, with normal glucose tolerance, coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of insulin resistance. Conclusions. The results of this study indicated that high consumers of coffee have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. The beneficial effects may involve both improved insulin sensitivity and enhanced insulin response.