How does caffeine affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. What amount of caffeine is considered safe for diabetics. Are there alternatives to caffeinated beverages for those managing blood sugar.

The Complex Relationship Between Caffeine and Blood Sugar

Caffeine, a widely consumed stimulant found in coffee, tea, and various other beverages, has a complex relationship with blood sugar levels, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes. While caffeine can provide a much-needed energy boost for many, its effects on blood glucose regulation are not straightforward and can vary from person to person.

Research has shown that caffeine consumption may lead to temporary increases in blood sugar levels, especially in those with diabetes. This effect is believed to be due to caffeine’s influence on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

How Does Caffeine Affect Blood Sugar in Diabetics?

For people with type 2 diabetes, caffeine can potentially make it more challenging to maintain stable blood sugar levels. A study involving participants with type 2 diabetes found that consuming 250 milligrams of caffeine at breakfast and lunch (equivalent to about two cups of coffee with each meal) resulted in blood sugar levels that were 8% higher compared to days without caffeine intake.

Additionally, the study observed more significant blood sugar spikes after meals on days when caffeine was consumed. This suggests that caffeine may interfere with the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose effectively in individuals with diabetes.

Mechanisms Behind Caffeine’s Impact on Blood Sugar

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how caffeine affects blood sugar levels:

1. Insulin Sensitivity: Caffeine may reduce insulin sensitivity, meaning cells become less responsive to insulin’s effects. This can result in higher blood sugar levels as cells struggle to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.
2. Stress Hormone Production: Caffeine stimulates the production of stress hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline), which can inhibit cells from processing sugar efficiently and may interfere with insulin production.
3. Adenosine Blockade: Caffeine blocks adenosine, a chemical that plays a crucial role in insulin production and cellular response to insulin.
4. Sleep Disruption: Excessive caffeine intake can disrupt sleep patterns, which may indirectly lower insulin sensitivity.

Caffeine Dosage and Its Effects on Blood Sugar

The impact of caffeine on blood sugar can vary depending on the amount consumed and an individual’s sensitivity to the substance. Generally, it takes about 200 milligrams of caffeine to noticeably affect blood sugar levels. This is roughly equivalent to:

• 1-2 cups of brewed coffee
• 3-4 cups of black tea
• Several cans of caffeinated soda

However, it’s important to note that caffeine sensitivity can differ from person to person. Factors such as age, weight, and regular caffeine consumption habits can influence how an individual responds to caffeine.

Is There a Safe Caffeine Limit for Diabetics?

While there isn’t a universally agreed-upon safe limit for caffeine consumption in people with diabetes, moderation is key. The American Diabetes Association suggests that some people with diabetes may be able to consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day without adverse effects on blood sugar control. However, this can vary greatly between individuals.

To determine your personal caffeine tolerance, it’s advisable to monitor your blood sugar levels after consuming caffeinated beverages and discuss the results with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

The Paradox of Coffee and Diabetes Risk

Interestingly, while caffeine may pose challenges for blood sugar management in people with existing diabetes, studies have shown that regular coffee consumption may actually lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first place.

This protective effect is thought to be due to the high levels of antioxidants found in coffee, which can help reduce inflammation in the body – a factor associated with increased diabetes risk. However, for those already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the caffeine content in coffee may still present difficulties in blood sugar control.

Can Decaf Coffee Be a Better Option for Diabetics?

For individuals with diabetes who enjoy the taste of coffee but are sensitive to caffeine’s effects on their blood sugar, decaffeinated coffee may be a suitable alternative. Decaf coffee contains only trace amounts of caffeine and generally does not have the same impact on blood sugar and insulin levels as regular coffee.

However, it’s important to note that the decaffeination process can reduce some of the beneficial antioxidants found in coffee. As with any dietary change, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate choice for your individual health needs.

Alternatives to Caffeinated Beverages for Blood Sugar Management

For those looking to reduce their caffeine intake while managing blood sugar levels, several alternatives can provide a refreshing boost without the potential glycemic impact:

• Herbal teas (e.g., peppermint, chamomile, rooibos)
• Sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice
• Green tea (lower in caffeine than coffee)
• Coconut water (in moderation due to natural sugar content)
• Vegetable juices

These options can help maintain hydration and provide variety in your beverage choices without the potential blood sugar fluctuations associated with caffeine.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Responses to Caffeine

Given the individual variability in caffeine’s effects on blood sugar, it’s crucial for people with diabetes to monitor their glucose levels in relation to caffeine consumption. This can be done through regular blood glucose testing or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.

How Can You Test Caffeine’s Impact on Your Blood Sugar?

To determine how caffeine affects your blood sugar levels, consider the following approach:

1. Test your blood sugar before consuming a caffeinated beverage.
2. Consume your usual caffeinated drink.
3. Test your blood sugar at regular intervals (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours) after consumption.
4. Repeat this process for several days to establish a pattern.
5. Compare these results with your blood sugar levels on days when you don’t consume caffeine.

This self-monitoring can provide valuable insights into how your body responds to caffeine and help inform decisions about your caffeine consumption habits.

Lifestyle Factors and Caffeine Sensitivity

It’s important to recognize that caffeine’s effects on blood sugar can be influenced by various lifestyle factors. These include:

• Overall diet and nutrition
• Physical activity levels
• Stress management
• Sleep quality and duration
• Medication regimens

Addressing these factors holistically can contribute to better blood sugar management and may help mitigate some of caffeine’s potential negative effects.

Can Exercise Help Counteract Caffeine’s Impact on Blood Sugar?

Regular physical activity is known to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by cells. Some studies suggest that exercise may help offset the temporary insulin resistance induced by caffeine consumption. However, the relationship between caffeine, exercise, and blood sugar is complex and can vary between individuals.

If you choose to consume caffeine, engaging in moderate exercise afterward may help stabilize blood sugar levels. As always, it’s essential to monitor your blood glucose and consult with your healthcare provider about incorporating exercise into your diabetes management plan.

The Role of Timing in Caffeine Consumption

The timing of caffeine intake can also play a role in its effects on blood sugar. Some research suggests that consuming caffeine before a meal may lead to higher post-meal blood sugar spikes compared to having caffeine with or after a meal.

Is There an Optimal Time to Consume Caffeine for Blood Sugar Control?

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, some general guidelines to consider include:

• Avoiding caffeine on an empty stomach
• Consuming caffeinated beverages with or after meals rather than before
• Limiting caffeine intake in the afternoon and evening to prevent sleep disturbances

Experimenting with different timing strategies and monitoring your blood sugar responses can help you determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Personalized Approaches to Caffeine and Diabetes Management

Given the variability in how individuals respond to caffeine, a personalized approach to caffeine consumption is crucial for effective diabetes management. This may involve working closely with your healthcare team to develop a strategy that takes into account your:

• Unique blood sugar patterns
• Caffeine sensitivity
• Overall health status
• Lifestyle factors
• Personal preferences

By tailoring your approach to caffeine consumption based on these factors, you can better balance the potential benefits and risks associated with caffeine intake while maintaining optimal blood sugar control.

Can Caffeine Be Part of a Healthy Diabetes Management Plan?

For many individuals with diabetes, moderate caffeine consumption can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle without significant adverse effects on blood sugar control. The key is to understand your body’s unique response to caffeine and make informed decisions about your intake.

Some strategies for including caffeine in your diabetes management plan may include:

• Setting personal limits on daily caffeine consumption
• Choosing lower-caffeine alternatives when possible
• Balancing caffeine intake with other aspects of diabetes care, such as diet and exercise
• Regular blood sugar monitoring to assess the impact of caffeine on your glucose levels

By taking a mindful and individualized approach to caffeine consumption, many people with diabetes can continue to enjoy their favorite caffeinated beverages while maintaining good glycemic 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.