From energy-boosting Americanos to flavourful lattes, following an often-misconstrued conception, a great many individuals believe that drinking coffee is unhealthy for diabetics. After all, coffee is a beverage that contains caffeine, and caffeine is known to raise insulin resistance and blood sugar levels. As a result, will it be dangerous for the health if a diabetic drinks coffee?
To get a handle on this subject matter, firstly let’s consider how caffeine affects the body. Put forward by Dr. Robert A. Gabbay of the Joslin Diabetes Center – a Harvard Medical School affiliated organisation: “it’s known that caffeine can impact insulin absorption”. This means that with the ingestion of caffeine, blood sugar levels can become increased.
Though it is a valid point, it is important to realise that its effects can vary vastly depending on other factors. For instance, an individual’s lifestyle, diet and any specific medications they are taking. Accordingly, understanding these will be a paramount factor in the overall view.
Besides caffeine, another component of coffee which people might overlook is its nutrients. In fact, some believe that coffee can contain a variety of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. With regard to diabetes, one of the important facts to note is that it can contain a good amount of magnesium, which studies suggest helps to control the levels of sugar in the blood if it is consumed regularly. Dr. Joy Dubost, a registered dietitian and former spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – a professional organisation, is questioned on her opinion of coffee and diabetics, to which she explains: “magnesium and vitamins in coffee, even decaf, has some health benefits that can help to reduce the risks of diabetes type two”.
Whilst caffeine levels can vary depending on the type of coffee, some varieties such as caffeinated decaf can help to reduce this element. As the University of Nevada’s Mary Pat Whaley’s – a dietician and nutrition consultant, examines: “a great many dark roasts of coffee, including decaf variations, have reduced levels of caffeine compared to the lighter varieties”. Of course, it is still essential to check the labels to make sure that it has moments of darkness and acidity before drinking it. Furthermore, if you have any additional concerns, then it would be best to consult your doctor.
Benefits of Coffee on Diabetes
Some scientific studies are showing that drinking coffee can potentially help diabetics. Specifically, this could come in the form of supplying benefits through the phenolic compounds inside it. Put forward by Dr. Suzanne de la Monte – professor of pathology, neuroscience and medicine at Brown University: “studies displaying that it is able to reduce the risks of type two diabetes, as well as aiding in the treatment of it”. As stated by Dr. Alfred Nicolucci – professor of endocrinology and metabolism at the Universita Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore: “over a few decades, studies have been conducted showing that drinking black coffee can enhance general blood circulation and lower the risks of type two diabetes”. Thus far, studies suggest that by consuming up to six cups a day, an individual can make gains such as improved liver health and the reduction of the body’s resistance to insulin.
Side Effects of Coffee on Diabetes
Though coffee can have a variety of benefits, they should also be aware that there are side effects to consider. Firstly, it is worth noting that, whilst consumption of coffee can assist to reduce the risks of type two diabetes, it can also cause your blood sugar levels to be higher for a short period of time. Moreover, if an individual has difficulties with sugar regulation related to diabetes, then it is recommended to refrain from drinking coffee with flavoured syrups. This is due to the fact that they contain high levels of sugar and preservatives, which can cause a spike in insulin.
It is also worth noting that when it comes to coffee, decaf and caffeinated versions can be an issue due to the carbohydrate quantity. For example, for a regular 8 ounce cup can contain up to 10.5 grams of carbohydrates. As a result, if consumed in high amounts, this can lead to the levels of sugar in the blood going up. Due to such ingredients, it is vital that those with diabetes do their research and check the labels.
Alternatives to Coffee and Diabetes
Fortunately, there are a variety of alternatives for those with diabetes that can replace coffee. For instance, green tea has been noted to contain a good amount of catechins, which studies suggest can reduce the chances of type two diabetes. Additionally, for those who are after more of a caffeine boost, then there are alternatives such as Kombucha tea and herbal infusions. Other options include water-based drinks such as cold-pressed juices, rehydrating electrolyte mixes, as well as calorie-free options such as sparkling water.
Risk Associated with Drinking Coffee while Diabetic
Most importantly, when it comes to coffee and diabetes – it is important to be aware of the risks associated with it. For instance, it is wise to be aware of how much you are drinking and what type suits you. On one side, those who have type one diabetes, in particular, should be careful about consuming coffee, as studies suggest that in these cases, caffeine can potentially cause a rise in sugar levels more than those who have type two diabetes. Additionally, some studies are showing that those who suffer from diabetes should try to limit the number of cups per day that they ingest. To ensure this, it would be best to consult your doctor for advice on the maximum amount you should be consuming.
Can Caffeine Help Balance Insulin Levels?
Though the idea of incorporating caffeine into one’s diet can be a controversial topic, some health practitioners believe that it could be used as a tool in order to assist with gaining control over diabetes. As Shereen Lehman – a health professional and correspondent, questions of an academic in the field of biology Sam Dagogo-Jack: “people with type 2 diabetes should have a cup of coffee right after a meal, when insulin levels are at their highest”. According to Dagogo-Jack, consuming caffeine after a meal can reduce the resistance of cells to insulin, thus causing the blood sugar levels to balance out.
Medication and Coffee while Diabetic
If you are taking any kind of medication for diabetes, then it is important to factor in the relationship between your medication and coffee. The reason being is that, if taken together, it could interaction between the two and lead to potential complications. To combat this, it is paramount to discuss your current situation with a healthcare professional. In doing so, this means that the doctor can advise you on how to regulate your medication, as well as if you can drink coffee without any potential risks.
Regulating Caffeine Ingestion
As a diabetic, the key point to remember is that caffeine and coffee can have an effect on your blood sugar levels. As a result, it is essential to be aware of the type of coffee you are drinking as well as the amounts. Thus, it is advised that if you are going to drink it, then you do stick to the lower caffeinated varieties such as decaf and be mindful on the amount you are ingesting. If you have any concerns, then it is best to have a discussion with a medical professional in order to make sure that you can safely drink the beverage.
Understanding the Key Points of Coffee and Diabetes
Overall, when it comes to coffee and diabetes, it is important to be aware of the key points. As discussed, for those with diabetes, it is perhaps best to drink decaf versions and limit the amount of cups ingested per day if possible. Similarly, it would be wise to be aware of the other components of coffee, such as its nutrients, in order to take advantage of the benefits it can provide. Additionally, it is wise to discuss your current situation with a health practitioner if you have any questions or concerns on if it is safe to drink coffee.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Before and After Coffee Consumption
One of the main pieces of advice to note when it comes to coffee and diabetes is monitoring your blood sugar levels before and after drinking. For instance, if you are going to drink coffee, then it is recommended to use a glucose meter or another device to measure your glucose levels before and afterwards. This way, you can establish a benchmark and a pattern on how your body reacts. Furthermore, this information can also be used to help modify your diet and exercise.
Consider Your Own Thoughts when Drinking Coffee
Most importantly, it is all about understanding how coffee specifically affects you, as everyone is different. What works for one person may not necessarily work for you. Accordingly, if you are drinking coffee and not experiencing any adverse effects, then it is safe to say that you should continue doing so as long as you can adequately monitor your blood sugar levels. On the reverse side, if you do start to experience any problems, then it would be wise to reconsider your consumption.
Consulting Your Doctor and Knowing Your Limits
As a diabetic, the main point to remember is that understanding your limits is key. After all, everyone will have a different tolerance to how much coffee they can drink. Additionally, it would be a wise move to consult with your doctor. In doing so, your doctor will be able to give advice on how to best incorporate coffee into your diet – as well as any potential risks associated with it. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.
