Myth 6: Coffee controls blood sugar

A meta-analysis of 30 studies involving more than 1.1 million people found that those who drank the most coffee (around five cups a day) had about a 30 per cent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-drinkers. This applied to both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.

However, this is about long-term risk, not short-term control. Caffeine can temporarily reduce insulin sensitivity, and coffee is not a treatment for diabetes. Sugary syrups, whipped cream and large milky coffee shop drinks can quickly cancel out any potential benefits.

The verdict: Regular coffee drinking is linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but it does not ‘control’ blood sugar and must never replace diabetes medicines.