Drinking more tea and coffee could help millions of people with silent killer live longer

DRINKING more tea and coffee could help millions of people with diabetes live longer, a study claims.

Swapping sugary drinks for the anti-inflammatory beverages may extend lifespan, researchers found.

An estimated 3.9million Brits have type 2 diabetes, which raises blood sugar levels and can eventually lead to heart disease and stroke.

Over an 18-year period, researchers monitored the drinking habits of more than 15,000 US sufferers, with an average age of 61.

Those who had more than one fizzy drink a day were a fifth more likely to pass away early, the study team found.

However, those drinking up to six coffees a day had a 26 per cent reduced risk of early death, with a 21 per cent lowering for those downing similar amounts of tea.

Those who preferred water (23 per cent) or low-fat milk (12 per cent) also benefited, according to experts from Harvard University.

Those who opted to drink more coffee and tea after a diabetes diagnosis had an 18 per cent lower risk of an early death, the team found.

There were 7,638 deaths among the 15,486 diabetics, 49 per cent. Some 3,447 developed heart disease.

Researcher Dr Le Ma said: “Coffee has beneficial constituents which may reduce inflammation.

“Tea is also a good source of polyphenols, especially catechins, which bear antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”

Dr Le Ma said good drink ­choices among diabetics were vital for good health.