Coffee is a popular and refreshing drink for many, yet it can become addictive. Those who consume coffee regularly may experience difficulty functioning without it, as caffeine which gives energy and reduces fatigue can also make you depend on it for the same.
Coffee is well known for its pleasant taste and the ability to boost productivity. However, can too much coffee can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels? Let’s find out
Coffee contains thousands of natural enzymes, including caffeine, which can positively impact the body. However, for those with diabetes or prediabetes, coffee consumption can be detrimental.
It can raise blood sugar and insulin levels, causing individuals to become more insulin-resistant. Additionally, drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages can provide an energy boost but will result in a crash or fatigue when the effects of the caffeine wears off.
Understanding Diabetes Management
Diabetes Mellitus, commonly referred to as Diabetes, is a disease that affects the body’s ability to process blood glucose to fuel the cells.
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is key to managing diabetes, and tracking tools like HealthifyPro 2.0 (which includes a smart scale, calorie counter, and BIOS-a CGM-based wearable device) can help.
With the help of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), you can track your blood glucose levels in real-time to make any necessary dietary and lifestyle modifications, such as reducing your coffee intake.
Coffee for Diabetes – The Connection
Evidence suggests that coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, the relationship between coffee and diabetes is complex and not fully understood.
Some studies have found that coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while others have not found a significant relationship.
Many experts believe that the antioxidants and other biologically active compounds in coffee may play a role in reducing the risk of diabetes.
Caffeine, a psychoactive stimulant found in coffee, has also been shown to affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. However, the exact mechanisms that may influence diabetes risk are not fully understood.
The HealthifyMe Note
It is important to note that the relationship between coffee and diabetes is still being studied and that more research is needed to understand the connection entirely. Additionally, the impact of coffee on an individual’s diabetes risk may depend on various factors, such as the type and amount of coffee consumed and the individual’s overall diet and lifestyle.
The Glycemic Index of Coffee
The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly a food or drink raises blood sugar levels. Foods and beverages high on the glycemic index cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, while those low on the glycemic index cause a slower, more gradual increase.
Coffee is a beverage generally considered to have a low glycemic index. The glycemic index of coffee is usually estimated to be around zero, although some studies have reported values between 0 and 20. It means that coffee does not significantly affect blood sugar levels and is a low glycemic index food.
It is worth noting that the glycemic index of coffee may vary depending on various factors, such as the type of coffee bean, the roast level, and the brewing method.
For example, the glycemic index of espresso is generally lower than that of brewed coffee. Additionally, it is essential to note that the glycemic index of coffee can be affected by adding other ingredients such as sugar, milk, and cream. These ingredients can increase the overall glycemic index of the coffee, especially if one adds them in large amounts.
Benefits of Coffee for Diabetes Patients
While research is underway to determine the exact relation of coffee with blood sugar, here are some potential benefits of coffee consumption for people with diabetes:
May Improve Insulin Sensitivity.
Some studies have found that coffee consumption may improve insulin sensitivity, which can help to control blood sugar levels.
May Lower the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
As mentioned earlier, some research suggests that coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
May Help Regulate Blood-sugar Levels
As mentioned earlier, coffee has a low glycemic index, which does not significantly affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, it can benefit people with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels.
It is worth noting that the potential benefits of coffee for people with diabetes may depend on various factors, such as the type and amount of coffee consumed and the individual’s overall diet and lifestyle. Additionally, it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional about the appropriate use of coffee in managing diabetes.
Can Coffee Raise Blood Sugar Levels?
Only comprehensive studies can determine coffee’s exact effect on blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, it is possible that coffee can raise blood sugar levels in the body.
A study has concluded that drinking coffee in moderation will not adversely affect one’s sugar levels. However, it also says that consuming too much coffee over a prolonged period may lead to health issues. Nevertheless, the same study found that it’s likely that caffeine does not increase blood glucose levels, as researchers saw comparable results with decaffeinated coffee.
Research has demonstrated that diabetic individuals may experience a rise in their blood glucose levels shortly after drinking coffee. Nevertheless, the investigation has also revealed that drinking coffee will not have a lasting effect on blood sugar levels in the long term.
Drinking coffee with added sugars can lead to higher blood sugar levels. Premade coffee drinks can contain flavouring syrups, which may include high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener. Consuming large amounts of fructose can cause insulin resistance, resulting in higher glucose levels.
The HealthifyMe Note
Those with diabetes or prediabetes need to be aware of how various beverages may affect their blood sugar levels. For example, coffee may increase blood sugar and present health risks for people with diabetes. However, further research is necessary to determine how much coffee and different kinds of coffee can raise blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is vital to understand the potential impacts of coffee consumption before making any decisions.
Safe Ways to Consume Coffee for Diabetics
If you are an avid coffee drinker, the data on blood sugar levels can be confusing. Although consuming coffee occasionally is not necessarily harmful, it is vital to regulate your coffee intake to avoid potential health issues.
As there is no concrete evidence that coffee increases blood sugar levels, it is crucial to consider the potential health risks and exercise caution. Here are some valuable tips to help you consume coffee safely:
Limit Your Intake
Limiting coffee intake to 1-2 cups daily is generally best. Excessive coffee consumption may interfere with blood sugar control and negatively affect overall health. It can also cause anxiety, sleeping disorders, concentration issues etc.
Avoid Adding Sugar
If you have diabetes, it is essential to limit your intake of added sugars. For example, avoid adding sugar to your coffee and opt for natural calorie-free sweeteners (e.g stevia)
Choose Low-fat Milk or Non-dairy Alternatives
If you like to add milk to your coffee, choose low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk or soy milk to reduce the amount of fat and calories in your coffee.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
If you have diabetes and drink coffee, monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly is essential to ensure they are well-controlled. In addition, it will help you to identify any potential impacts of coffee on your blood sugar levels and make any necessary adjustments to your diabetes management plan.
HealthifyPro 2.0 offers a Continuous Glucose Monitor that can track your blood sugar levels in real-time to make it easy. So, as you sip a cup of coffee, your CGM will tell you its impact on your blood sugar levels.
The HealthifyMe Note
It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional about the appropriate use of coffee in your diabetes management plan. They can provide personalised recommendations based on your needs and medical history. In addition, you can reach out to expert nutritionists at HealthifyMe to help you plan ways to manage your blood sugar levels like a Pro.
Conclusion
The research on the effects of coffee on blood sugar levels needs to be more exhaustive. While some studies have found that coffee can lead to insulin resistance in diabetic individuals, others have indicated that any impacts on glucose levels due to coffee are transient. Unfortunately, due to the limited size of these investigations, it remains uncertain if the same is true for all people.
Those who consume coffee regularly may not experience any negative consequences on their blood sugar. Therefore, it is best to speak to a healthcare provider to determine if coffee suits you.
If approved, a cup or two hours after a meal should not have a significant impact, even more so if you limit the amount of sugar you add. Nevertheless, monitoring your blood glucose levels is essential to ensure that your coffee intake is not affecting them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which coffee is best for diabetics?
A: People with diabetes can choose coffee that is low in added sugars and calories. It can include black coffee, espresso, or coffee with low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives. Black coffee is generally a low glycemic index food, and espresso is typically lower in calories and sugars than other types of coffee. One can also use low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives such as almond or soy milk to reduce the amount of fat and calories in the coffee.
Q. Does coffee raise your blood sugar?
A: Experts believe that coffee does not significantly affect blood sugar levels. It is a low glycemic index food. However, it is worth noting that the glycemic index of coffee may vary depending on various factors, such as the type of coffee bean, the roast level, and the brewing method. Additionally, the glycemic index of coffee can be affected by adding other ingredients such as sugar, milk, and cream. These ingredients can increase the overall glycemic index of the coffee, especially if one adds them in large amounts.
Q. How much coffee should a diabetic drink a day?
A: People with diabetes should limit their intake of coffee to 1-2 cups daily. Excessive coffee consumption may interfere with blood sugar control and negatively affect overall health.
Q. Is coffee with milk good for diabetics?
A: If you have diabetes and wish to incorporate coffee with milk into your diet, here are some tips to keep in mind: opt for low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk or soy milk to minimise fat and calorie consumption; limit your coffee consumption to 1-2 cups per day; and substitute sugar with calorie-free sweeteners. It is essential to bear in mind that the effect of coffee with milk on an individual’s blood sugar may differ depending on their overall diet, lifestyle, and medical use. If you have any worries, it is best to seek personalised advice from a healthcare professional.
The Research Sources
1. Kolb H, Martin S, Kempf K. Coffee and Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Arguments for a Causal Relationship. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 31;13(4):1144. doi: 10.3390/nu13041144. PMID: 33807132; PMCID: PMC8066601.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8066601/
2. Reis CEG, Dórea JG, da Costa THM. Effects of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism: A systematic review of clinical trials. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018 May 3;9(3):184-191. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.001. PMID: 31193893; PMCID: PMC6544578.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6544578/
3. Muley A, Muley P, Shah M. Coffee to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes?: a systematic review. Curr Diabetes Rev. 2012 May;8(3):162-8. doi: 10.2174/157339912800564016. PMID: 22497654.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22497654/
4. Gao, F., Zhang, Y., Ge, S. et al. Coffee consumption is positively related to insulin secretion in the Shanghai High-Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) Study. Nutr Metab (Lond) 15, 84 (2018).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-018-0321-8
5. González-Domínguez R, Mateos RM, Lechuga-Sancho AM, González-Cortés JJ, Corrales-Cuevas M, Rojas-Cots JA, Segundo C, Schwarz M. Synergic effects of sugar and caffeine on insulin-mediated metabolomic alterations after acute consumption of soft drinks. Electrophoresis. 2017 Sep;38(18):2313-2322. doi: 10.1002/elps.201700044. Epub 2017 May 22. PMID: 28466533.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28466533/
