Now, research from scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center shows it might also have a similar blood-sugar effect in people with type 2 diabetes, also previously known as adult-onset diabetes.

In a small feasibility study of just 12 people, researchers split the group in two and had one set of participants drink about eight ounces (237 ml) of kombucha a day for four weeks, while the other set drank a placebo. The participants were able to eat their normal diets. Then the groups switched for the next four weeks.

 

Of course, the research team agrees with Merenstein that larger studies need to be conducted before any conclusive links between the drink and blood sugar levels are established, although studies in obese mice have also backed up the correlation and the hope is that it kombucha could join other natural substances as potential natural therapeutics for diabetics.

"An estimated 96 million Americans have pre-diabetes – and diabetes itself is the eighth leading cause of death in the US as well as being a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure," said Chagai Mendelson, the study's lead author. "We were able to provide preliminary evidence that a common drink could have an effect on diabetes. We hope that a much larger trial, using the lessons we learned in this trial, could be undertaken to give a more definitive answer to the effectiveness of kombucha in reducing blood glucose levels, and hence prevent or help treat type-II diabetes."

The research has been published in the journal, Frontiers in Nutrition.

Source: Georgetown University