Understand your body’s needs
Diabetes can be managed and controlled, but being aware of what we eat and drink is the first step to keeping it under control. For diabetics, the choice of beverages is especially important as our bodies require more vigilance in what we put into it. Impactful beverages such as coffee can have a great effect on how our bodies metabolize information and ultimately affects insulin production.
Metabolic Health Concerns
Interpreting how coffee affects metabolism is still in its infancy, as the market is saturated with different brews and its impacts can vary. Generally however, too much coffee can put diabetics at an increased risk of not producing insulin correctly.Studies have highlighted high amounts of coffee can lead to significantly higher blood glucose levels due to heightened cortisol and blood sugar. As coffee is often consumed for a quick pick me up, it shouldn’t be a go-to solution for low energy, as the sugar in coffee can give a quick spike in diabetes managing hormones, this can then be followed by a crash.
Beneficial Properties of Coffee
Although coffee can lead to spikes in hormones and cortisol, if used in a balanced and regulated way it has the potential to be beneficial. Studies suggest that consuming coffee at regulated amounts can help diabetics as coffee has antioxidant compounds, as well as being linked to reducing type 2 diabetes risk due to increased insulin sensitivity and natural insulin resistance benefits.These benefits are greatly increased when coffee is organic, without sugar or sweeteners.
Regularity and Moderation
When it comes to coffee and diabetes, moderation is key. Experts suggest no more than 2 cups of coffee per day should be consumed to keep hormone levels balanced, this should be monitored and tweaked if any side effects or symptoms arise. Studies suggest that timed coffee intakes between 9-11am seems to be the optimum time. Additionally, when drinking coffee, diabetics should avoid sugary and fatty items as these can worsen diabetes and lead to spikes in hormones.
Comparing Coffee With Other Drinks
Unsweetened tea is seen as a more diabetes-friendly beverage than high-sugar soft drinks or sweetened teas. A cup of tea that’s unsweetened can be beneficial as tea is high in catechins, which can help to stop fat from accumulating within our bodies. Additionally tea is seen as a great beverage for calming, allowing our bodies to relax and controlling hormones, it doesn’t have to be without flavor either, simply consider fruit tea varieties.
Drinking Coffee in a Healthy Way
When drinking coffee, it’s important to remember to keep foods healthy, for instance whole wheat bread or eggs as a balanced breakfast. This allows diabetics to keep energy levels regulated and can help to keep blood sugar balanced, as the effects of coffee may be slowed down due to natural carbohydrates, ensuring the effects won’t be too harsh on our body.
Healthy Variations of Coffee
Many different variations of coffee can help to maintain healthy hormones in diabetics. Iced coffee is a great option, with stirring in low-fat milk or plant-based cream as this can help to reduce the impacts that coffee has on our body. Coffee shots is another great option, as our body will absorb the caffeine quicker, with the risks of consuming too much of it comparatively lower. Additionally, even decaf and low-caffeine coffees could potentially help diabetics, as they still contain the antioxidants and can still boost metabolism.
Using Supplements
When it comes to regulating diabetes and hormones, supplements can be a great reviver. Vitamins such as vitamin E and antioxidants help to balance hormones, reduce the impacts of caffeine and help to provide energy to diabetics. It’s suggested that diabetics who consume coffee use natural supplements for energy, instead of carbohydrates or sugars, this can help to keep energy balanced and hormones controlled.
Balancing Drinks for Diabetes
The healthiest drink for a diabetic is going to vary from person to person, depending on their body makeup, the medications they are taking, and their sugar levels. It is recommended that diabetics invest in a health tracker, this gives them a greater insight into how their body responds to different foods and drinks. This can help to create a custom and balanced beverage plan, beneficial for health and regulating hormones.
