Purpose: The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular disease is affected by many lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity and healthful behavior. This research was to assess the effect of tea in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on prevention of cardiovascular disease. Methods: This was a cohort study on demographic data, lifestyle factors and clinical characteristics of stratified selected clients in Taiwan from 2004/01/01 to 2005/12/31. During the two year study period, 435 diabetic subjects with non- cardiovascular disease were included in this study. Applicable analysis weights, Stata 11.0, were applied, to adjust the design variables for clustering and stratification. Results: A univariate cox proportional hazards evaluation model showed the beneficial effect of dietary factors (including vegetables, fruits, and tea). The results of a multivariate cox proportional hazards evaluation model were similar to those of a univariate cox proportional hazards evaluation model. Older age and presence of hypertension both influence the progression of cardiovascular disease in diabetic subjects. Consumption of vegetables and tea can delay the progression of diabetic cardiovascular disease. Moreover, tea consumption showed a beneficial effect on the progression of diabetic cardiovascular disease in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: In this study, the consumption of tea slowed the progression of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.
