Type 2 Diabetes Cohort Study

The cohort study titled “Coffee Consumption and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” (1) deals with the question of examining long-term relationship between caffeine consumption and incidents of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This prospective cohort study is significant because prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased in the past decade and this increase is associated with diet and lifestyle factors, among which caffeine consumption occupies one of the central places. Therefore, the relationship between caffeine and type 2 diabetes mellitus is important to investigate. Although researchers did not specifically state the hypotheses for the investigation, it is clear from the introductory part that the rationale and justification for conducting the study are based on the current information about the rate of coffee consumption among the US adult population (with more than 50% of Americans drinking coffee). Coffee consumption decreases insulin sensitivity and impairs glucose tolerance (1). Consequently, the rationale …show more content…
However, in my opinion, no public health policies should be implemented due to the fact that unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can often be treated with lifestyle adjustments such as diet and exercise, and coffee is only one of many factors that influence diabetes risk. More importantly, individuals should watch their weight and be physically active. In addition, this study cannot prove a cause effect relationship, and it is premature to recommend increased coffee drinking as a means to prevent type 2 diabetes. Moreover, patients with type 2 diabetes are still able to produce insulin; however this it is ineffective in controlling blood glucose levels. Incidentally, oral drug may be taken to control blood glucose levels, and insulin injections are some of the time