How does caffeine impact blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. What are the mechanisms behind caffeine’s effect on insulin sensitivity. Is coffee consumption safe for individuals managing diabetes. How can diabetics enjoy caffeine while maintaining stable blood glucose.

The Complex Relationship Between Caffeine and Blood Sugar

Caffeine, a widely consumed stimulant found in coffee, tea, and many popular beverages, has a complex relationship with blood sugar regulation. While many people rely on their daily caffeine fix for an energy boost, those with diabetes or at risk of developing the condition need to be aware of how this stimulant can affect their glucose levels.

Research suggests that caffeine can have significant impacts on blood sugar, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A study found that participants who consumed 250 mg of caffeine (equivalent to about two cups of coffee) at breakfast and lunch experienced blood sugar levels 8% higher than on days without caffeine intake. Moreover, their post-meal blood glucose spikes were more pronounced.

Mechanisms Behind Caffeine’s Impact on Blood Glucose

To understand why caffeine affects blood sugar, it’s crucial to examine its interactions with the body’s insulin response. Caffeine appears to influence blood glucose levels through several mechanisms:

• Decreased insulin sensitivity: Caffeine may reduce the body’s responsiveness to insulin, making it harder for cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.
• Elevated stress hormones: Caffeine increases levels of stress hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline), which can inhibit glucose uptake by cells and potentially suppress insulin production.
• Adenosine blockade: By blocking adenosine, a molecule involved in insulin production and cellular response, caffeine may interfere with normal glucose regulation.
• Sleep disruption: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to poor sleep quality, which in turn may negatively impact insulin sensitivity.

Caffeine Sensitivity and Individual Variations

The impact of caffeine on blood sugar can vary significantly between individuals. Factors influencing one’s response to caffeine include:

• Age
• Body weight
• Regular caffeine consumption habits
• Overall health status
• Genetic factors

Interestingly, some research suggests that regular coffee drinkers with diabetes may not experience the same blood sugar spikes as occasional consumers. This could be due to the body’s adaptation to consistent caffeine intake over time. However, other studies indicate that caffeine might still cause glucose fluctuations even in habitual coffee drinkers.

The Coffee Paradox: Potential Benefits vs. Risks

While caffeine may pose challenges for blood sugar management in people with diabetes, coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first place. This apparent paradox can be attributed to the high antioxidant content in coffee, which may help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals.

For those already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, however, the caffeine content in coffee may outweigh these potential benefits when it comes to blood sugar control. In such cases, switching to decaffeinated coffee might be a more suitable option, as it contains only trace amounts of caffeine and is less likely to impact glucose levels.

Are there any benefits to coffee consumption for people with diabetes?

Despite the potential challenges caffeine poses for blood sugar management, coffee consumption may offer some benefits for people with diabetes:

• Antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation
• Potential improvements in cognitive function
• Possible reduction in the risk of certain diabetes-related complications

However, these potential benefits should be weighed against the individual’s ability to maintain stable blood glucose levels when consuming caffeinated beverages.

Monitoring Caffeine’s Impact on Your Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes and are concerned about how caffeine affects your blood sugar, consider the following steps:

1. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes management.
2. Monitor your blood glucose levels before and after consuming caffeinated beverages to identify any patterns or significant changes.
3. Keep a food and drink diary to track your caffeine intake alongside blood sugar readings.
4. Experiment with reducing or eliminating caffeine for a period to observe any changes in your glucose control.

By carefully tracking your response to caffeine, you can make informed decisions about its place in your diabetes management plan.

Strategies for Enjoying Caffeine Safely with Diabetes

For those who wish to continue enjoying caffeinated beverages while managing diabetes, consider the following strategies:

• Limit caffeine intake to 200 mg per day (about 2 cups of coffee) or less.
• Consume caffeinated beverages with a meal or snack containing protein and fiber to help mitigate blood sugar spikes.
• Opt for sugar-free or low-sugar options when choosing caffeinated drinks.
• Consider gradually switching to decaffeinated alternatives.
• Time your caffeine consumption earlier in the day to minimize sleep disruption.

Can people with diabetes drink energy drinks?

Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, making them particularly problematic for individuals with diabetes. It’s generally advisable to avoid energy drinks or opt for sugar-free versions in moderation, always keeping in mind the potential impact on blood glucose levels.

Alternative Energy Boosters for People with Diabetes

For those looking to reduce their caffeine intake while still maintaining energy levels, consider these diabetes-friendly alternatives:

• Herbal teas (e.g., peppermint, ginger, or chamomile)
• Green tea (lower in caffeine than coffee)
• Regular exercise routines
• Adequate hydration
• Balanced, nutrient-rich meals
• Power naps (15-20 minutes)
• Stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises

These alternatives can help provide natural energy boosts without the potential blood sugar fluctuations associated with high caffeine intake.

The Importance of Personalized Diabetes Management

While general guidelines can be helpful, it’s crucial to remember that diabetes management is highly individualized. What works for one person may not be suitable for another. Factors such as medication regimens, overall diet, physical activity levels, and stress management all play roles in blood sugar control.

How can individuals tailor their caffeine consumption to their diabetes management plan?

To create a personalized approach to caffeine consumption within your diabetes management plan:

1. Work closely with your healthcare team to understand your unique needs and risks.
2. Use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or frequent blood sugar checks to identify how different caffeinated beverages affect your glucose levels.
3. Adjust your caffeine intake based on your blood sugar trends and overall health goals.
4. Consider the timing of caffeine consumption in relation to meals, medications, and physical activity.
5. Be prepared to make changes to your caffeine habits as your diabetes management needs evolve over time.

Latest Research on Caffeine and Diabetes

The field of diabetes research is constantly evolving, and new studies continue to shed light on the relationship between caffeine and blood sugar control. Recent findings have explored:

• The impact of different coffee preparation methods on blood glucose response
• Genetic variations that may influence individual sensitivity to caffeine’s effects on insulin
• The potential role of coffee compounds other than caffeine in glucose metabolism
• Long-term effects of habitual coffee consumption on diabetes risk and management

Staying informed about the latest research can help individuals with diabetes make evidence-based decisions about their caffeine consumption.

What do recent studies reveal about the long-term effects of coffee consumption on diabetes risk?

Recent long-term studies have suggested that regular coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in healthy individuals. This protective effect is thought to be due to the presence of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds in coffee. However, for those already diagnosed with diabetes, the impact of long-term coffee consumption on blood sugar control remains a topic of ongoing research and debate.

Caffeine Alternatives for Energy and Focus

For individuals looking to reduce their caffeine intake while still maintaining energy and focus, several alternatives are worth considering:

• Matcha green tea: Contains L-theanine, which can provide a calmer energy boost
• Yerba mate: A South American herb that contains caffeine but may have a gentler effect on blood sugar
• Adaptogens: Herbs like rhodiola or ginseng that may help combat fatigue and stress
• B-complex vitamins: Essential for energy metabolism and cognitive function
• Protein-rich snacks: Can provide sustained energy without the blood sugar spike

When exploring these alternatives, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for your individual health needs and do not interact with any medications.

How do caffeine alternatives compare in terms of their impact on blood sugar?

Caffeine alternatives generally have a milder impact on blood sugar compared to traditional caffeinated beverages. For example:

• Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee and may have beneficial effects on glucose metabolism.
• Herbal teas are typically caffeine-free and do not directly impact blood sugar levels.
• Protein-rich snacks can provide energy without causing rapid blood glucose spikes.
• Adaptogenic herbs may help regulate stress responses, which can indirectly benefit blood sugar control.

However, individual responses can vary, so it’s essential to monitor blood sugar levels when introducing new alternatives into your routine.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Managing Caffeine’s Effects

While understanding the direct impact of caffeine on blood sugar is crucial, it’s equally important to consider how lifestyle factors can influence this relationship. Factors such as stress levels, sleep quality, and physical activity can all play a role in how the body responds to caffeine and manages blood glucose levels.

How does stress interact with caffeine consumption in diabetes management?

Stress can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels, and when combined with caffeine consumption, the effects may be amplified. Here’s how stress and caffeine can interact:

• Both stress and caffeine can lead to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood sugar levels.
• Stress may increase cravings for caffeinated and sugary beverages, potentially leading to overconsumption.
• The combination of stress and caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns, further impacting glucose regulation.

Managing stress through techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help mitigate these effects and improve overall diabetes management.

What role does physical activity play in moderating caffeine’s effects on blood sugar?

Regular physical activity can have a positive impact on blood sugar control and may help moderate the effects of caffeine:

• Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, potentially counteracting some of caffeine’s effects on insulin resistance.
• Physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels, which may offset any increases caused by caffeine consumption.
• Regular exercise may improve the body’s overall ability to regulate blood glucose, making it more resilient to the effects of caffeine.

Incorporating a consistent exercise routine into your diabetes management plan can provide numerous benefits, including potentially allowing for more flexibility in caffeine consumption.

Navigating Social Situations and Caffeine Consumption

For many people, caffeine consumption is deeply ingrained in social and cultural practices. From morning coffee rituals to afternoon tea breaks, these habits can be challenging to change. However, individuals with diabetes can develop strategies to navigate these situations while maintaining blood sugar control:

• Communicate your needs: Inform friends, family, and colleagues about your dietary requirements to avoid uncomfortable situations.
• Suggest alternative meeting spots: Propose locations that offer a variety of beverage options, including decaf and herbal choices.
• Bring your own beverages: Pack diabetes-friendly drinks for social gatherings or workplace meetings.
• Practice moderation: If you choose to indulge in caffeinated drinks socially, do so in moderation and monitor your blood sugar closely.
• Pair caffeine with food: When consuming caffeine in social settings, try to pair it with a balanced snack to help mitigate blood sugar spikes.

How can people with diabetes balance social norms around caffeine consumption with their health needs?

Balancing social norms with diabetes management requires a combination of preparation, communication, and self-advocacy:

1. Educate those around you about your health needs and the importance of managing caffeine intake.
2. Practice assertiveness in social situations, feeling confident in your choices to prioritize your health.
3. Develop a “go-to” order for different social settings that aligns with your diabetes management goals.
4. Consider timing your caffeine consumption around social events to minimize its impact on your blood sugar levels.
5. Be prepared with alternative options, such as bringing your own tea bags or sugar-free flavored water to social gatherings.

By implementing these strategies, individuals with diabetes can maintain their social connections while adhering to their health management plans.

The Future of Caffeine and Diabetes Research

As our understanding of the relationship between caffeine and diabetes continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new areas that may shape future recommendations and treatment approaches:

• Personalized medicine approaches to determine individual caffeine sensitivity based on genetic markers
• Development of caffeine alternatives that provide similar cognitive benefits without impacting blood sugar
• Exploration of the potential therapeutic uses of coffee compounds in diabetes prevention and management
• Investigation of the long-term effects of various caffeine consumption patterns on diabetes outcomes
• Integration of continuous glucose monitoring technology to provide real-time feedback on caffeine’s effects

These emerging areas of research hold promise for more tailored and effective approaches to managing caffeine consumption in the context of diabetes care.

What potential breakthroughs in caffeine and diabetes research might we see in the coming years?

Several exciting developments may emerge in the field of caffeine and diabetes research:

• Genetic testing to predict individual responses to caffeine and guide personalized recommendations
• Development of “smart” coffee blends designed to minimize blood sugar impact while retaining cognitive benefits
• Advanced wearable devices that can predict and alert users to potential blood sugar fluctuations based on caffeine intake and other factors
• Identification of specific coffee compounds that may have glucose-lowering properties, potentially leading to new diabetes treatments
• Improved understanding of the gut microbiome’s role in mediating caffeine’s effects on metabolism and blood sugar

These potential breakthroughs could revolutionize how we approach caffeine consumption in diabetes management, offering more precise and effective strategies for maintaining optimal blood sugar control.

The Truth about Blood Sugar

Written by Sharon Liao

• How Does Caffeine Affect Your Blood Sugar?
• Why Does Caffeine Have This Effect?
• How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
• What About the Caffeine in Coffee?

Whether it’s from coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate, most Americans get caffeine every day. For healthy people, it’s usually a harmless perk-me-up. But if you have type 2 diabetes, caffeine may make it harder to keep your blood sugar in check.

A growing body of research suggests people with type 2 diabetes react to caffeine differently. It can raise blood sugar and insulin levels for those with the disease.

One study looked at people with type 2 diabetes who took a 250-milligram caffeine pill at breakfast and another at lunchtime. That’s about the same amount as drinking two cups of coffee with each meal. The result: Their blood sugar was 8% higher than on days when they didn’t have caffeine. Their reading also jumped by more after each meal.

That’s because caffeine can affect how your body responds to insulin, the hormone that allows sugar to enter your cells and get changed into energy.

Caffeine may lower your insulin sensitivity. That means your cells don’t react to the hormone by as much as they once did. They don’t absorb as much sugar from your blood after you eat or drink. This causes your body to make more insulin, so you have higher levels after meals.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your body already doesn’t use insulin well. After meals, your blood sugar rises higher than normal. Caffeine may make it tougher to bring it down to a healthy point. This may lead to too-high blood sugar levels. Over time, this may raise your chance of diabetes complications, like nerve damage or heart disease.

Scientists are still learning how caffeine affects your insulin and blood sugar levels. But they think it may work this way:

• Caffeine raises levels of certain stress hormones, like epinephrine (also called adrenaline). Epinephrine can prevent your cells from processing as much sugar. It may also keep your body from making as much insulin.
• It blocks a chemical called adenosine. This molecule plays a big role in how much insulin your body makes. It also controls how your cells respond to it. Caffeine keeps adenosine which plays a big role in how much insulin your body makes.
• It takes a toll on your sleep. Too much caffeine can keep you awake. Lack of sleep may also lower your insulin sensitivity.

It only takes about 200 milligrams of caffeine to affect your blood sugar. That’s the amount in about one or two cups of brewed coffee or three or four cups of black tea.

You may be able to handle more or less caffeine. People can have different reactions to the drug. Your response depends on things like your age and weight.

How much caffeine you usually get may also play a role. People with diabetes who are regular coffee drinkers don’t have higher blood sugar levels than those who aren’t. Some experts think your body gets used to that amount of caffeine over time. But other research shows that caffeine could still cause a spike, even if you always start your day with a cup of joe.

To find out if caffeine raises your blood sugar, talk to your doctor or a dietitian. You might test your blood sugar throughout the morning after you have your usual cup of coffee or tea. Then you’ll test after you skip the drink for a few days. When you compare these results, you’ll know if caffeine has an impact.

There’s another twist to the story. Studies show that coffee may lower your odds of getting type 2 diabetes in the first place. Experts think that’s because the drink is high in antioxidants. These compounds reduce inflammation in your system, which can raise your chance of having the disease.

If you already have type 2 diabetes, this may not hold true. The caffeine in a cup of java makes it tougher to control your blood sugar. If yours spikes after your morning cup, you may want to switch to decaf. Even though this drink has a tiny amount of caffeine, it doesn’t have the same effect on your blood sugar or insulin.

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Does Caffeine Affect Blood Sugar Levels?

Medically reviewed on October 4, 2022 by Jordan Stachel, M.S., RDN, CPT. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• The effects of caffeine on blood sugar
• Should diabetics avoid coffee?
• How much caffeine is too much caffeine?
• Where does caffeine come from?
• Healthy alternatives to caffeine
• Monitor your blood sugar levels to understand your body’s glycemic control
• Related content

According to a recent study, the average American relies on three cups of coffee to help them power through each day. [1] If you, too, turn to java every morning, you’ve likely experienced some of the negative side effects associated with excessive caffeine consumption firsthand: shakiness, dehydration, and a creeping dependency, to name a few.

However, if you have diabetes, caffeine can have other side effects that are far less talked about but can potentially be more dangerous. The average healthy young adult can get away with a few shots of espresso every day, but if you have type 2 diabetes, caffeine may hinder your ability to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

If you’re wondering whether your caffeine intake might adversely affect your blood sugar levels and how to lower your HbA1c, keep reading. Below, we’ll talk about caffeine’s impact on blood sugar levels, who is at risk, and common sources of caffeine to watch out for.

The effects of caffeine on blood sugar

Does caffeine affect blood sugar levels? The short answer is yes. You might think that since black coffee—free from sweeteners, milk, and sugar—doesn’t contain any carbohydrates it shouldn’t raise blood sugar levels on its own. However, one study found that acute caffeine ingestion with meals led to increased insulin and blood glucose levels and a decrease in insulin sensitivity. [2]

When you consume carbohydrates, the amount of sugar in your blood goes up. In response, your pancreas releases insulin into your bloodstream, helping to regulate the increase in blood sugar. This is all part of the normal process that allows your body to turn sugar into energy and/or to store it for later use.

But some of us experience “insulin resistance” due to diet, weight, and a variety of other factors. This is when our cells have trouble responding to insulin and absorbing glucose to use as fuel. As a result, the pancreas begins overproducing insulin. This creates a buildup of sugar in the blood that can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. [3]

The study mentioned above found that caffeine causes a short-term decrease in insulin sensitivity (or an increase in insulin resistance). In this situation, caffeine intake can inhibit the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels, impairing the effectiveness of insulin and exacerbating diabetes.

This might sound scary to those with type 2 diabetes, but it shouldn’t put you off caffeine entirely. If you’re concerned about caffeine consumption negatively impacting your body’s ability to utilize glucose in the bloodstream, try consuming your morning coffee after you’ve eaten breakfast. Or, grab that diet coke after you’ve already had lunch. By consuming caffeine postprandial, you have given your body other macronutrients like protein and fat that help to mediate the response that caffeine has on blood sugar levels, helping to prevent them from spiking.

For those with type 2 diabetes, the effects of caffeine on blood glucose levels can last longer, given the existing resistance to insulin that comes with that condition. [4] However, caffeine is generally safe for others to consume, as long as it isn’t overused.

Should diabetics avoid coffee?

The information above raises the question of whether diabetics should avoid coffee entirely. After all, anything that decreases insulin sensitivity and increases glucose levels is bad, right?

If you already have diabetes and don’t drink coffee, it’s probably a good idea to avoid developing the habit. Depending on why you might turn to coffee, there are alternatives out there that are safe, easy to source, and inexpensive. Some of them are even better for your health and wellness. If you can’t give up the flavor, perhaps try decaffeinated coffee first—just remember that there is still some caffeine present, only less.

If you developed diabetes after already becoming dependent on coffee to help fuel your day, there is one very important and simple step you can take to limit its negative effects on your blood sugar levels: avoid additives and sweeteners.

Additives and sweeteners for diabetics to avoid

Coffee creamers and flavored syrups are often loaded with sugars and carbohydrates, which place a heavy strain on your body as it tries to produce and use insulin to clear sugar from the bloodstream. Some examples include:

• Creamers
• Artificial flavors, like hazelnut or vanilla syrups
• Artificial sweeteners
• Cane sugar
• Condensed milk
• Corn syrup
• Hydrogenated oils

We recognize that the barista at your local coffee shop is unlikely to add hydrogenated oils to your favorite morning beverage. But many of these ingredients to avoid can be found in the syrups and sweeteners used by coffee shops, especially at chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.

If you’re making coffee at home, always check the labels of any products you add to your drink. If ordering at a coffee shop before heading to work in the morning, request nutritional information on the products offered or try searching for it online.

Remember, our rule of thumb is that if you have diabetes and decide to continue drinking coffee, it’s best to take it black.

Other caffeine sources to monitor

Though it isn’t often discussed, coffee, energy drinks, and other sources of caffeine can negatively impact our blood sugar levels by reducing insulin sensitivity. To make matters worse, these drinks are often loaded with sugars and carbohydrates, which spike blood glucose even more.

How much caffeine is too much caffeine?

According to the FDA, most Americans can drink up to 400 milligrams of caffeine every day without adverse effects. [5] This comes out to about 4 or 5 cups per day—more than what the average coffee drinker consumes daily.

That said, this is a ballpark number, and some people may benefit from consuming significantly less caffeine. In addition to people with type 2 diabetes, these groups include:

• Women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding
• Teenagers and adolescents
• People impacted by sleep disorders
• People with arrhythmias
• People who struggle with anxiety

However, these groups aren’t at risk from too much caffeine just because of blood glucose levels. For example, caffeine increases the amount of epinephrine (otherwise known as adrenaline) in the bloodstream. This can be bad news for people who deal with the jitters or nervousness.

There are ways to offset the negative effects of caffeine, however, depending on how it affects your body. If you struggle to regulate your blood glucose levels, try consuming less than 200 milligrams daily. If you have trouble sleeping, switch to caffeine alternatives in the afternoon and avoid consuming caffeine until the next morning.

Where does caffeine come from?

While most of us think of coffee and caffeine as synonymous, the truth is that coffee contains less caffeine than many other foods and beverages we regularly consume. One study found that caffeine is used as a flavor enhancer in over 60% of soft drinks sold in the United States. [6]

Some common sources of caffeine include:

• Tea
• Chocolate
• Guarana
• Energy drinks
• Analgesics (pain relievers)

Caffeine is also present in small amounts in decaf coffee, despite what its name may lead us to believe.

Healthy alternatives to caffeine

Packaged foods and drinks—such as energy drinks, chocolate bars, or dietary supplements that contain caffeine—often provide information about their caffeine content on the nutritional label. For some people, this can help them to regulate their intake. Others can go by how they feel—shaky hands, feelings of dread, and racing thoughts are signs to back off the caffeine until your body processes it.

For those worried about caffeine spiking their blood glucose levels, or anyone who is looking for a non-caffeinated way to kickstart the morning, there are many alternatives to caffeine that can give you a little boost without the negative side effects.

B vitamins

All cells in the body use B vitamins, which are found in lean protein, healthy fat, and whole grain sources such as:

• Turkey
• Nuts and seeds
• Fish
• Whole grains

While there are eight different kinds of B vitamins, any of them can help our bodies convert food into energy, rev up the metabolism, and protect us against anemia.

Carob

A vegan chocolate alternative, this caffeine-free superfood is nutrient-dense and includes protein and vitamins A and B. Carob also contains pinitol, a natural compound that has an insulin-like effect shown to reduce glucose concentrations in diabetic lab rats. [7]

Turmeric

The main ingredient in the trendy “golden milk” that originated in India and is fast becoming a staple of coffee shops here in the U.S. is turmeric, which is full of anti-inflammatory properties and nutrients. It’s also caffeine free, which makes it a wonderful alternative for those who enjoy the ritual and warmth of a morning cup of joe.

If you turn to coffee in the morning as part of your routine, replacing it with a hot, turmeric-based drink is an excellent way to decrease the negative impacts of caffeine while still reaping the mental health benefits of indulging in a delicious morning beverage.

Monitor your blood sugar levels to understand your body’s glycemic control

If you’re struggling to control your blood sugar levels thanks to diabetes or other health issues, our HbA1c Test can help you manage your health better by providing an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 90 days.

Routine glucose tests can equip you with the personal knowledge you need to make healthier choices that positively impact your blood glucose levels. And with a longer testing period, results will help you determine better baselines and track long-term progress.

Head to our site to order an HbA1c Test or visit our blog to learn more about the science behind our products.

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References

1. The Atlas of American Coffee. 2021 National Coffee Data Trends: www.ncausa.org. URL. Accessed September 30, 2022.
2. Shi X, Xue W, Liang S, Zhao J, Zhang X. Acute caffeine ingestion reduces insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Journal. 2016;15(1). doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0220-7. Accessed September 30, 2022.
3. Type 2 Diabetes. CDC. Published December 16, 2021. URL. Accessed September 30, 2022.
4. Whitehead N, White H. Systematic review of randomised controlled trials of the effects of caffeine or caffeinated drinks on blood glucose concentrations and insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes mellitus. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2013;26(2):111-125. doi:10.1111/jhn.12033. Accessed September 30, 2022.
5. Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published December 12, 2018. URL. Accessed September 30, 2022.
6. Keast RSJ, Riddell LJ. Caffeine as a flavor additive in soft-drinks. Appetite. 2007;49(1):255-259. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2006.11.003. Accessed September 30, 2022.
7. Bates SH, Jones RB, Bailey CJ. Insulin-like effect of pinitol. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2000;130(8):1944-1948. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703523. Accessed September 30, 2022.

Is it possible to drink coffee with diabetes?

People suffering from diabetes have to deny themselves many previously loved products. As soon as this diagnosis was made, a person is automatically forced to reconsider his diet, habits, life as such.

Avid coffee lovers and connoisseurs of aromatic, thick and strong coffee have a hard time. Especially freshly brewed, which so wonderfully helps to wake up completely in the morning and gain vigor for the whole day. For many people, drinking this drink is a separate habit, which over the years becomes stronger and develops into a kind of ritual. Therefore, many are interested in: is it possible for diabetics to have coffee? What tips and rules should be followed? Let’s consider this topic in more detail.

Useful properties of coffee

People have known about such a drink as coffee since time immemorial. Due to the presence of linoleic acid in its composition, doctors prescribed it for people suffering from heart failure and other diseases. It keeps the body in good shape, helps to remove fatigue and makes it possible to extend the period without sleep.

If you have diabetes, you can drink coffee, in small quantities, without abuse. It helps lower blood sugar levels and make the body as sensitive as possible to insulin absorption, which is very beneficial for diabetics. The use of grain coffee for such purposes is especially valuable, since it is the grains that successfully cope with the treatment of many inflammatory processes. The ideal option would be to introduce green coffee into your diet, which in small doses is considered the most useful. Its constant use helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is especially good to use coffee if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Why is natural coffee useful?

Natural coffee is known for the following beneficial properties:

• improves well-being and contributes to smooth and stable weight loss;
• reduces the risk of heart and vascular diseases;
• accelerates metabolism, brings it back to normal;
• promotes better absorption of insulin introduced into the body;
• improves overall brain function;
• provides quality assistance in the fight against diseases of the cardiovascular system.

However, before drinking coffee in case of diabetes, it is necessary to remember about the possible negative effects of this drink:

• the occurrence of allergies;
• pressure increase;
• deterioration and disorder of sleep.

What should a diabetic pay attention to?

Therefore, before drinking this drink, it is necessary to visit a doctor and consult so that he prescribes the correct dosage and rate, and also refuse to use instant coffee. In addition, use a sweetener, exclude cream and other products that are contraindicated in diabetes.

In the assortment of the online store “Coffeemarket” you can find popular brands: coffee Lavazza, Totti, Blaser, the use of which is allowed for people suffering from diabetes. In addition, the company’s catalog contains other products that are allowed for diabetics, allowing them to feel as comfortable as possible and not give up their favorite habits.

Can I have coffee with diabetes? (Video)

Should you drink coffee if you have diabetes?

According to a study published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, a few cups of coffee a day may improve the prognosis for patients with type 2 diabetes. So, in the course of the study, scientists found that those who drank coffee several times a day had long-term health benefits, including lower blood glucose and uric acid levels, which in turn helped improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

This study involved 200 volunteers who drank 3-4 cups of filter coffee made from roasted coffee beans and chicory daily for over 16 years. Among the participants, 90 had type 2 diabetes, of which 48 regularly drank coffee.

Participants’ blood tests showed that diabetic patients who drank coffee regularly had lower blood glucose by an average of 5% and uric acid by an average of 10% for 16 years compared to those who did not drink coffee and had no history of diabetes. Among participants with diabetes, the results were more pronounced: those who drank coffee had 20% lower blood glucose and 15% lower uric acid levels than those who had not drank coffee for 16 years. It is worth noting that studies have shown a close relationship between elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the body’s resistance to insulin.

Thus, by lowering the levels of uric acid and glucose in the blood, drinking coffee helped improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, scientists say. The results support an earlier study that showed that drinking 4-5 cups of coffee per day reduced participants’ risk of developing diabetes by 29%. In addition, they had a decrease in the level of the inflammatory response, as well as insulin resistance.

Coffee contains many biologically active compounds believed to have a protective effect on the human body. One of them, chlorogenic acid, is considered a powerful antioxidant. But despite the various health benefits of drinking coffee, scientists caution that drinking large amounts of caffeine can increase the risk of anxiety, mania, restlessness, muscle cramps and osteoporosis. However, this requires consuming more than 1000 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to about 10 cups of coffee. The use of caffeine in moderate amounts (75-85 mg) has a beneficial effect on mental activity.