Forget an apple a day. A new study suggests drinking three to four cups of coffee a day could help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The total number of people living with diabetes in Ireland now is estimated to be 225,840, but a new study suggests the answers could lie in the coffee beans. The study, which was carried out by the Irish Coffee Council with the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) show there was a 25% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in those who enjoyed three to four cups of coffee a day compared to those who opted for less than two cups or none at all. For those tempted to stick the kettle on, the study also reflects significant benefits for those who increase their coffee intake by one cup per day over a four year period. The added cup saw 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes over the period, whereas those who cut back their coffee increased their risk of developing diabetes by 17%. However, if you’re in fear of your new health kick keeping you up all night, there’s some good news. The research suggests that caffeine is not the cause of the reduced risk as both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. So what’s the secret ingredient? Although there is no confirmed tie between the coffee consumption and a reduced risk in diabetes, researchers suggest the increased cuppa could help due to energy metabolism, where coffee consumption causes an increase in calorie burning, or perhaps coffee affects glucose metabolism causing the body to handle glucose differently. The study also offers the possibility that the morning coffee could be simply a lower calorie option than choosing alternative food or drink. So best stick the kettle on, if you know what’s good for you.