### Can Kombucha Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes? Kombucha, a popular fermented tea, might help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who drank kombucha regularly for four weeks had lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to when they drank a placebo beverage. In the study, 12 adults with type 2 diabetes, with an average age of 57, participated. They were instructed to drink 8 ounces of either kombucha or a placebo drink with dinner every day for four weeks. After an eight-week break, they switched to the other beverage for another four weeks. The participants did not know which drink they were consuming at any time. The results showed that after four weeks of drinking kombucha, the participants' average fasting blood glucose levels dropped from 164 to 116 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). In contrast, after drinking the placebo, their levels only dropped from 162 to 141 mg/dL, which was not statistically significant. While these findings are promising, experts caution that kombucha is not a cure for diabetes. The study was small, and more research is needed to confirm these results and understand how kombucha might affect blood sugar levels throughout the day. Additionally, kombucha should not replace any diabetes treatments recommended by healthcare providers. Kombucha contains various microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and yeast, which may contribute to its potential benefits. The exact mechanism is unclear, but it might involve changes in the gut microbiome or other metabolic processes. In summary, while kombucha shows potential as a supplementary aid for managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, it is not a substitute for medical treatments. More extensive studies are needed to fully understand its benefits and mechanisms.