Simple coffee does not appear to directly raise blood sugar or glucose levels, which is good news for people with diabetes who enjoy coffee on its own. However, some research suggests that caffeine in coffee may affect insulin sensitivity, which is not ideal for people with diabetes. Interestingly, some studies suggest that drinking coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, may actually reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that people with type 2 diabetes respond differently to caffeine. It may increase blood sugar and insulin levels in those with the condition.
According to WebMD, caffeine can influence the insulin reaction, meaning it may take longer for your insulin dose to take full effect. Caffeine may also increase the body's resistance to insulin. Ultimately, this can lead to high blood sugar levels and further complications of diabetes. If you are considering caffeine, it may not be responsible for those positive benefits. In fact, research has shown that caffeine can temporarily raise glucose and insulin levels. Have you ever noticed a difference in your blood sugar level after having a cup of caffeinated coffee or tea? According to the Mayo Clinic, caffeine can affect blood sugar levels and cause lower or higher fluctuations.
Keeping track of the amount of caffeine you consume will make it easier to manage your blood sugar. Whether you have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or have lived with the condition for many years, you know how unpredictable blood sugar levels can be and how important it is to keep them under control. To investigate the effect of caffeine on glucose metabolism, researchers compared the metabolic responses of participants who received decaffeinated coffee, regular coffee, a caffeine capsule or a placebo followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. All participants ingested the same amount of glucose, suggesting that there are compounds in coffee that decrease glucose absorption or increase glucose absorption in body tissues. If you experience frequent changes in your blood sugar level and consume caffeinated beverages (including diet soda, coffee and tea), consider reducing your intake to see if your glucose control improves, Bonsignore recommends. According to Mayo Clinic, consuming up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day is safe for most people, but in people with diabetes, the substance can affect insulin behavior, leading to low or high blood sugar levels.
Drinking caffeinated coffee for an extended period of time can also alter its effect on glucose and insulin sensitivity. Diabetes (or diabetes mellitus) is a disease that affects the body's ability to process blood sugar (or blood glucose). Caffeine may have a short-term impact on blood sugar, but other compounds in coffee and tea may support long-term metabolic health. So what is the best option for people with diabetes who still want their coffee fix? Try ordering decaffeinated. The fact that decaf offers almost the same benefits as regular coffee suggests that something other than caffeine is responsible for this protective effect. The long-term benefits of coffee seem to come from other compounds in the brew and are ultimately more powerful than the immediate effects of its caffeine component.
I drink my coffee (sugar-free cream and Stevia) before taking insulin because I'm not ready for breakfast yet. In addition, when you are on vacation or traveling, you may eat more, drink more alcohol or be more active - all of which can lead to changes in your blood sugar level.
