Nutritional Inclinations for Diabetic Patients
As a diabetic patient, you are acutely aware of the foods, drinks, and substances that you are advised to consume to sustain your health and wellbeing. Coffee has shown to be of great benefit to human health, but when a patient is diabetic, is it ok to drink coffee? Should a patient drink caffeinated coffee or decaffeinated? What are the possible side effects of drinking coffee when diabetic? In this article, we will delve into all considerations surrounding this topic, while considering perspectives from medical experts, nutritional and healthcare professionals, and recent studies so you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the matter.
Caffeine, Decaffeinated, or Neither?
Perhaps the most pertinent question on the minds of diabetics is whether it is ok to drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages. According to the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements, consuming too much caffeine can increase a person’s blood pressure, so regular coffee and fresh-brewed coffee should be avoided. Instead, patients should focus on decaffeinated coffee. This will ensure the person does not experience an excess of anxiety and other side effects related to drinking too much caffeine. It is possible to safely consume up to three to five cups of decaffeinated coffee per day, but ideally one should not be consuming more than that.
Health Benefits for Diabetic Consumers
Now that we know that diabetics can drink coffee, decaf or otherwise, what exactly are the health benefits associated with doing so? According to experts, coffee intake is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, primarily because of its content of polyphenols. These are compounds found in coffee which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have also suggested that caffeine itself may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, drinking coffee may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, as well as help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Those who suffer from high cholesterol may find that regularly drinking coffee can reduce cholesterol levels by up to 10%. Other cognitive benefits associated with drinking coffee include improved mood, energy levels, concentration, and alertness.
Associated Side-Effects
Like most beneficial nutritional supplements, there are potential dangers associated with drinking coffee routinely. Those who are diabetic may experience palpitations or an irregular heart rate due to drinking caffeinated coffee. Furthermore, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises that those at risk of heart failure avoid drinking up to four or more cups of coffee per day. For this reason, diabetics are recommended to only drink decaffeinated coffee for the best health outcomes.
Additionally, too much consumption of decaffeinated coffee can lead to insomnia, restlessness and anxiety, as well as headaches. In general, it is wise to limit consumption to one or two cups of decaffeinated coffee per day, in order to effectively reap the health benefits without running the risk of any negative side-effects.
Other Considerations
It is recommended for diabetics to only drink coffee when it is unsweetened. Those with diabetes should avoid any type of added sweeteners or artificial sweeteners as these can drastically increase levels of blood glucose. Furthermore, adding cream or milk to coffee also dramatically increases its calories and fat, making it a poor choice for someone with diabetes. Healthy alternatives which may be added include plant-based milks or plant-based creamers.
Coffee Intake and Diabetes Medications
Studies have suggested that diabetics who are taking oral medications or insulin injections can potentially experience unhealthy side effects or poor reactions if they intake excessive amounts of coffee each day. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that those who take medications for type 2 diabetes speak with their health care professional or doctor who can provide individualized advice on how much coffee is permissible to drink.
Coffee can be a valuable addition to a healthy diabetic diet, as long as it is consumed sensibly and with caution. By following the advice outlined in this article, diabetics can drink coffee safely and enjoy its numerous health benefits without running the risk of developing any hazardous side-effects.
Coffee and Diabetes: A Historical Perspective
The use of coffee in treating and managing diabetes is not a new phenomenon. In fact, records indicate that coffee has been used to treat diabetes since before the 16th century. During this time, coffee was highly regarded as an effective treatment for the disease, and was widely used as a medicinal remedy throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. Numerous research studies have since found a correlation between coffee and reduced risk of diabetes, and ultimately, a better understanding of the benefits it offers.
The Role of Coffee in Diabetes: An Evidence-Based Review
In 2012, the American Society for Nutrition conducted a comprehensive review of the medical evidence to date on the correlation between coffee and diabetes. The review concluded that evidence supported the idea that regular coffee consumption is associated with a potential reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the review found that individuals who drank the most coffee had a 25-30% lower risk of developing the said condition.
In addition, the review found that coffee may be beneficial in managing diabetes, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Studies have shown that coffee may reduce inflammation, which could ultimately reduce damage caused to organs. Furthermore, coffee is a rich source of minerals and B vitamins, which help to protect cells from oxidative damage.
The Role of Caffeine Intake
Due to coffee’s caffeine content, some people may experience negative effects when consuming caffeine-rich beverages. This could include increased blood pressure, palpitations, or an irregular heart rate. Therefore, for those looking to reap the benefits of coffee without the side-effects, decaffeinated coffee is the preferred alternative.
Despite its caffeine content, research suggests that the potential benefits associated with the beverage outweigh the potential side-effects. Regular caffeinated coffee consumption of up to three to five cups per day is still safe for diabetics, as long as it is not done in excess.
Coffee Intake During Pregnancy
It is also important to consider the potential risks associated with drinking coffee during pregnancy when taking diabetes medications. According to healthcare professionals, pregnant women should avoid drinking more than two cups of coffee per day. The possible adverse repercussions associated with doing this include birth defects, as well as fetal impairment and health concerns.
In summary, it is recommended to refrain from drinking more than two cups of coffee a day when pregnant and taking diabetes medications. This is particularly important for those who are at a high risk of gestational diabetes and pre-existing diabetes.
Cofee Intake and SVT
For those suffering from a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), regular coffee consumption can potentially trigger the onset of episodes. Furthermore, studies have found that those with SVT are more likely to experience palpitations or an irregular heart rate if they consume a large amount of coffee each day. This is due to the fact that high levels of caffeine can increase the risk of developing arrhythmia.
In conclusion, consuming more than two cups of coffee a day can be unsafe for those with SVT, and therefore it is recommended to completely avoid caffeinated coffee. Furthermore, for those who are using diabetes medications, decaffeinated coffee is always the best option.
Coffee Intake and Diabetes: The Bottom Line
Based on the evidence, it is evident that coffee can be a valuable addition to the diet of those suffering from type 2 diabetes. However, it is also important to consider the potential risks associated with excessive intake of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee. By following the advice previously outlined in this article and speaking with your healthcare professional, one can safely and effectively incorporate coffee into their dietary plan.
