Drinking coffee reduces the risk of diabetes, but on one condition!

A new study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has revealed that drinking coffee may significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes—but only if it’s consumed without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

The research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that each cup of coffee consumed daily lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 10%. Scientists attribute this benefit to coffee’s bioactive compounds, including caffeine and antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and support metabolic health.

Previous studies have suggested that regular coffee drinkers tend to gain less weight over time, another factor that may contribute to a reduced diabetes risk.

However, adding sugar to coffee cuts this benefit in half, reducing the risk reduction to just 5% per cup. The study also found that artificial sweeteners, often used as a sugar substitute, diminish the protective effect as well, with a 7% risk reduction per cup—slightly better than sugar, but still significantly less than black coffee.

Dr. Matthias Hein, the lead researcher, emphasized the importance of drinking coffee without additives, stating:
“Our findings suggest that drinking coffee may help reduce diabetes risk, but adding sugar or artificial sweeteners weakens its protective effects.”

With type 2 diabetes becoming a growing global health concern, these findings suggest a simple yet effective way to reduce risk—drink your coffee black or with milk, but skip the sugar and sweeteners.

This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting coffee’s role in promoting health, but it also highlights the importance of mindful consumption. If you’re looking to maximize the benefits of your daily brew, the best option is to keep it pure.