In 2012, a Brooklyn bagel-maker offered a special beverage called Larry King Sunrise Coffee to honor the broadcast journalist, who served as the company's spokesman.

King, who has Type 2 diabetes, could certainly use some coffee to make it through his early-morning and late-night broadcasts — but his cup of java may have helped fight off diabetes complications too.

A new study, published in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, followed nearly 5,000 adults with Type 2 diabetes for a median duration of 5.3 years. Those who drank one cup of coffee a day lowered their risk of death over the course of the study by 12%; drinking two or more cups lowered it 41%.

Green tea was also powerful: Two to three cups daily lowered it by 27%, and four or more cups by 40%.

People who drank both beverages lowered their risk of death during the study by 51% with two to three cups of green tea plus two or more of coffee a day.

The researchers think the beverages' anti-inflammatory powers from several potent polyphenols are the key.

Type 2 diabetes causes widespread inflammation, putting a person at risk for potentially fatal cardiovascular and kidney disease, dementia, and more. Tea and coffee may tamp down inflammation and help prevent resulting disorders.

If you have Type 2 diabetes, enjoy some daily coffee and/or green tea. But steer clear of syrupy flavorings, sugar, and high-fat dairy. Drink them straight or with nut, oat, or soy milk.