Coffee, Caffeine And Type 2 Diabetes
There has been extensive research into whether consuming coffee (caffeine) is safe for those with type 2 diabetes as well as whether or not coffee could help prevent diabetes. With the ever rising population of people suffering with type 2 diabetes, it’s good to hear that the diabetic or potential diabetic has a friend in coffee. A healthy diet, low in sugar and refined carbs, is still the number one dietary measure to treat or reduce the risk for diabetes. Most research shows that coffee can be part of a diet that’s designed to prevent, treat, and/or possibly reverse type 2 diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes and Coffee Research Studies A study published by the American Diabetes Association showed that those who drink coffee have lower sugar and insulin levels. It also appears that regular coffee is better than decaffeinated, so coffee could even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.15 overweight but otherwise healthy men were given either decaf coffee, a placebo, or the chemicals chlorogenic acid and trigonelline dissolved in water, which are two of the main antioxidants in coffee. The participants’ glucose and insulin levels were checked after consumption of each throughout the trial period. The only sample that showed lowered sugar and insulin levels was the chlorogenic acid and trigonelline solution group. Src. Another study analyzed much the latest research concerning diabetes and coffee consumption and was conducted by Harvard’s Dr. Frank Hu. His team found that the risk of type II diabetes decreased by 9% for each daily cup of coffee consumed. Decaf coffee decreased risk by 6% per cup. Src. An 11 year study looked at the diabetes and coffee risk association in postmenopausal women. They found that women who consumed 6 cups of coffee had a 22% lower risk of develop Continue reading >>
5 Cups Of Coffee A Day For Type 2 Diabetes?
Coffee is one thing that we all love but can’t really decide if it’s good for us or not. Research in the past has shown that coffee and diabetes don’t go well together. However, a new research, funded by American Diabetes Association (ADA), indicates that coffee is good for: Cardiovascular diseases(myocardial infarction, high cholesterol…) Cancer (prostate, breast…) Parkinsons disease According to the research conducted by Marilyn Cornelis, PhD, from NFU School of Medicine: (Of all the foods we consume) coffee has the most potential to prevent type 2 diabetes. (Source: Diabetes Forecast) What is more, WHO has released guidelines for dietary recommendation for Americans for 2015-2020, in which they state that 3-5 cups of coffee is associated with health benefits (including for type 2 diabetes). Seems like both the latest research and even WHO is pro-coffee. I know I’m pro-coffee myself, being an avid coffee drinker and I think it’s great I’m doing something good for myself by having a cup of coffee a day! Let alone 5 cups! You can download the WHO statement here, I’ve copied the section about coffee for you here (be aware what is says about how much sugar and milk you should add to coffee): Let me pour myself another cup of coffee right now (and according to the coffee and diabetes research, you should grab a coffee yourself) because we’re going to see: Why is coffee good for us? What does other research about coffee and diabetes suggest How much sugar and milk I personally add to my coffee? I’ll reveal my own easy recipe for diabetes-friendly coffee – I’m drinking one right now! In short, do coffee and diabetes go hand in hand together? Let’s find out: Coffee and Diabetes – An Age Old Question I don’t really know anybody that wouldn’t l Continue reading >>
Caffeine Risks May Rattle Diabetic People
type 2 diabetes -- but it isn't caffeine. Caffeine makes it hard for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar, new studies suggest. In the latest of these studies, Duke University researcher James D. Lane, PhD, and colleagues put continuous blood-sugar monitors on 10 people with type 2 diabetes. All were regular coffee drinkers averaging four cups a day, but they stopped drinking coffee during the experiment. On one day, each patient took a 250 mg caffeine capsule at breakfast and another 250 mg caffeine capsule at lunch. That's roughly the same as having them drink two cups of coffee at each meal. On another day, the same people got placebo pills with no caffeine in them. The result: On the days the patients took caffeine, their blood-sugar levels were 8% higher. And after every meal -- including dinner -- their blood sugar spiked higher than it did on the day they had no caffeine. "These are clinically significant blood-sugar elevations due to caffeine," Lane tells WebMD. "Caffeine increases blood glucose by as much as oral diabetes medications decrease it. ... It seems the detrimental effects of caffeine are as bad as the beneficial effects of oral diabetes drugs are good." Lane warns against reading too much into this small, 10-patient study. But he says it does show that caffeine has real effects on the everyday lives of people with diabetes. "For people with diabetes, drinking coffee or consuming caffeine in other beverages may make it harder for them to control their glucose," he says. (If you have diabetes, how much caffeine do you consume on a regular basis? Talk with others on WebMD's Type 2 Diabetes Support Group message board.) Several studies have found that coffee drinkers -- especially those who drink a lot of coffee -- have a lower risk of diabe Continue reading >>
What Can I Drink If I Have Diabetes?
Having diabetes means that you have to be aware of everything you eat or drink. Knowing the amount of carbohydrates you ingest and how they may affect your blood sugar is crucial. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends zero-calorie or low-calorie drinks. The main reason is to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Choosing the right drinks can help you avoid unpleasant side effects, manage your symptoms, and maintain a healthy weight. Water Unsweetened tea Unsweetened coffee Sugar-free fruit juice Low-fat milk Zero- or low-calorie drinks are typically your best bet when choosing a drink. Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice into your drink for a refreshing, low-calorie kick. Whether you’re at home or at a restaurant, here are the most diabetes-friendly beverage options. 1. Water When it comes to hydration, water is the best option for people with diabetes. That’s because it won’t raise your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration. Drinking enough water can help your body eliminate excess glucose through urine. Women should drink approximately 8 glasses of water each day, while men should drink about 10 glasses. If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, create some variety by: adding slices of lemon, lime, or orange adding sprigs of flavourful herbs, such as mint, basil, or lemon balm crushing a couple of fresh or frozen raspberries into your drink 2. Tea Research has shown that green tea has a positive effect on your general health. It can also help reduce your blood pressure and lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Some research suggests that drinking up to six cups a day may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed. Whether you choose green, black, or herbal tea, you should avoid sweeteners. For a refreshi Continue reading >>
How Does Caffeine Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Whether it’s from coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate, most Americans get caffeine every day. For healthy people, it’s usually a harmless perk-me-up. But if you have type 2 diabetes, caffeine may make it harder to keep your blood sugar in check. A growing body of research suggests people with type 2 diabetes react to caffeine differently. It can raise blood sugar and insulin levels for those with the disease. One study looked at people with type 2 diabetes who took a 250-milligram caffeine pill at breakfast and another at lunchtime. That’s about the same amount as drinking two cups of coffee with each meal. The result: Their blood sugar was 8% higher than on days when they didn’t have caffeine. Their reading also jumped by more after each meal. That’s because caffeine can affect how your body responds to insulin, the hormone that allows sugar to enter your cells and get changed into energy. Caffeine may lower your insulin sensitivity. That means your cells don’t react to the hormone by as much as they once did. They don’t absorb as much sugar from your blood after you eat or drink. This causes your body to make more insulin, so you have higher levels after meals. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body already doesn’t use insulin well. After meals, your blood sugar rises higher than normal. Caffeine may make it tougher to bring it down to a healthy point. This may lead to too-high blood sugar levels. Over time, this may raise your chance of diabetes complications, like nerve damage or heart disease. Scientists are still learning how caffeine affects your insulin and blood sugar levels. But they think it may work this way: Caffeine raises levels of certain stress hormones, like epinephrine (also called adrenaline). Epinephrine can prevent your cells from proce Continue reading >>
Diabetic Coffee Creamers, Best Coffee Creamer For Diabetics
There is a lot of debate lately about whether coffee and coffee creamer tends to increase or decrease the blood glucose levels of diabetics. There is evidence to support both sides of the argument at this time, and there is just no clear cut answer. It doesn’t affect every person in the same way, either, which adds to the confusion. Some studies suggest that only black coffee reduces your risk for developing diabetes, and that coffee taken with creamer does not have the same beneficial effects. But that hypothesis is up for debate too. I happen to prefer my coffee with cream, mainly because it blunts the high acidity level of the coffee and makes it taste better. With cream, the taste is softened and much of the bitterness seems to be removed from my taste buds. If you’re diabetic, please be vigilant with blood sugar monitoring when testing out coffee creamers. Because even creamers that are labeled “sugar-free” tend to raise blood glucose levels much higher than expected. I believe the reason is because many of the chemicals and artificial flavors these creamers substitute for sugar. Avoid artificial, chemical-laden coffee creamers The artificial creamers may have an advantage in the convenience department and the fact that they have a shelf life of close to eternity, but there are too many health drawbacks to those products to make them worthwhile. Have you ever looked at the ingredients label of an artificial coffee creamer? The are so many chemicals used to create those products that it would take a chemist to understand what kind of effect they have on our body. Many of them contain artificial sweeteners with chemical compounds that mimic the effect of sugar on our taste buds. This may give the product an artificially sweetened taste, but their effects on o Continue reading >>
Does Caffeine Affect Blood Sugar?
The average U.S. adult consumes about two 8-ounce cups (474 milliliters) of coffee a day, which can contain around 280 milligrams of caffeine. For most young, healthy adults, caffeine doesn't appear to noticeably affect blood sugar (glucose) levels, and consumption up to 400 milligrams a day appears to be safe. Some studies suggest that drinking coffee, caffeinated and decaffeinated, may actually reduce your risk of developing diabetes. If you already have diabetes, however, the impact of caffeine on insulin action may be associated with higher or lower blood sugar levels. For some people with diabetes, about 200 milligrams of caffeine — or the equivalent of one to two 8-ounce cups (237 to 474 milliliters) of plain, brewed coffee — may cause this effect. Caffeine affects every person differently. If you have diabetes or you're struggling to control your blood sugar levels, limiting the amount of caffeine in your diet may provide a benefit. Continue reading >>
Low-carb Coffee & Tea Drink Recipes
Coffeehouse drinks can pour on unwanted calories and carbs. Be your own barista and opt for homemade beverages to eliminate the mystery. Our easy, café-worthy coffee and tea recipes are low in carbs and calories, allowing you to get your morning caffeine fix or afternoon refresher without jolting your healthy eating plan. Coffeehouse drinks can pour on unwanted calories and carbs. Be your own barista and opt for homemade beverages to eliminate the mystery. Our easy, café-worthy coffee and tea recipes are low in carbs and calories, allowing you to get your morning caffeine fix or afternoon refresher without jolting your healthy eating plan. Coffeehouse drinks can pour on unwanted calories and carbs. Be your own barista and opt for homemade beverages to eliminate the mystery. Our easy, café-worthy coffee and tea recipes are low in carbs and calories, allowing you to get your morning caffeine fix or afternoon refresher without jolting your healthy eating plan. Coffeehouse drinks can pour on unwanted calories and carbs. Be your own barista and opt for homemade beverages to eliminate the mystery. Our easy, café-worthy coffee and tea recipes are low in carbs and calories, allowing you to get your morning caffeine fix or afternoon refresher without jolting your healthy eating plan. Coffeehouse drinks can pour on unwanted calories and carbs. Be your own barista and opt for homemade beverages to eliminate the mystery. Our easy, café-worthy coffee and tea recipes are low in carbs and calories, allowing you to get your morning caffeine fix or afternoon refresher without jolting your healthy eating plan. Continue reading >>
Is Coffee Good For Diabetes?
Should people with diabetes drink coffee? If you do, should it be decaf or regular? The health effects of coffee have been well studied, but we still have no definite answer. I have to admit — I don’t drink coffee and never have. The closest I get is coffee ice cream. But some of this data has me thinking I should start. • Coffee reduces risk of death. In a study of over 700,000 people done by the University of Southern California, people who drank coffee were 18% less likely to die in the next 10–16 years. The study group included people of various races and ethnic groups. • Coffee is linked with lower risk of stroke. Since stroke is a major complication of diabetes, lowering your risk seems like a good idea. • Studies indicate that coffee lowers risk ofliver and mouth cancer, improves memory, and protects against Type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. • A recent study from India found that coffee drinkers have lower fasting blood sugars. Other studies have found that coffee improves insulin function. It may lower insulin resistance. • Some nutritionists say coffee is a major source of antioxidants, molecules that slow aging and tissue breakdown. Downside of coffee Coffee has some undesirable side effects. The Mayo Clinic states that consuming more than 500–600 milligrams of caffeine a day may lead to “insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, an upset stomach, a fast heartbeat, and even muscle tremors.” It’s worth noting that 500–600 milligrams a day is a lot (about six cups of coffee or nine ounces of espresso), but some research has linked even moderate amounts of caffeine to bad health effects, according to Medical News Today. Coffee drinking in pregnancy may increase the risk of low-birth-weight babies. Drinking coffee with a Continue reading >>
The Best And Worst Drinks For Diabetics
Drinks for Diabetics iStock When you have diabetes, choosing the right drink isn’t always simple. And recent studies may only add to the confusion. Is coffee helpful or harmful to insulin resistance? Does zero-calorie diet soda cause weight gain? We reviewed the research and then asked three top registered dietitians, who are also certified diabetes educators, what they tell their clients about seven everyday drinks. Here’s what to know before you sip. Drink More: Water iStock Could a few refreshing glasses of water assist with blood sugar control? A recent study in the journal Diabetes Care suggests so: The researchers found that people who drank 16 ounces or less of water a day (two cups’ worth) were 30 percent more likely to have high blood sugar than those who drank more than that daily. The connection seems to be a hormone called vasopressin, which helps the body regulate hydration. Vasopressin levels increase when a person is dehydrated, which prompts the liver to produce more blood sugar. How much: Experts recommend six to nine 8-ounce glasses of water per day for women and slightly more for men. You’ll get some of this precious fluid from fruit and vegetables and other fluids, but not all of it. “If you’re not in the water habit, have a glass before each meal,” recommends Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes. “After a few weeks, add a glass at meals too.” Drink More: Milk iStock Moo juice isn’t just a kids’ drink. It provides the calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D your body needs for many essential functions. Plus, research shows it may also boost weight loss. In one study of 322 people trying to sl Continue reading >>
Coffee’s Effect On Diabetes
Part 1 of 8 Highlights For people without diabetes, coffee may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Caffeine has been shown in the short term to increase both glucose and insulin levels. Because of this, people with diabetes should be cautious when consuming coffee. Once sweetener is added to coffee, it removes the benefits of diabetes prevention. It can actually increase your risk of developing diabetes. Coffee was once condemned as being bad for your health. However, there’s growing evidence that it may protect against certain kinds of cancers, liver disease, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. There’s also compelling research that increasing your coffee intake may actually lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This is good news for those of us who can’t face the day until we get in our cup of java. However, for those who already have type 2 diabetes, coffee could have adverse effects. Whether you’re trying to lower your risk, you have diabetes, or you just can’t go without your cup of joe, learn about coffee’s effects on diabetes. Part 2 of 8 According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes is a disease (or group of diseases) that affects how your body processes blood glucose (sugar). Blood glucose is important because it is what fuels your brain and gives energy to your muscles and tissues. If you have diabetes, that means that you have too much blood glucose circulating in your body and it can cause serious health concerns. There are a number of different factors that can cause diabetes. Chronic diabetes types are type 1 and type 2. Other types include gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy but tends to go away after birth. Another is prediabetes, which means your blood glucose levels are higher than usual but not as high as woul Continue reading >>
Best And Worst Drinks For Type 2 Diabetes
1 / 8 Best and Worst Drinks for Type 2 Diabetes If you have type 2 diabetes, you know it's important to watch what you eat — and the types of drinks you consume. Drinks that are high in carbohydrates and calories can affect both your weight and your blood sugar. "Generally speaking, you want your calories and carbs to come from whole foods, not from drinks," says Nessie Ferguson, RD, CDE, a nutritionist at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The best drinks have either zero or very few calories, and deciding on a beverage isn't really difficult. "When it comes right down to it, good beverage choices for type 2 diabetes are good choices for everyone," she says. Some good drinks for type 2 diabetes include: Water Fat-free or low-fat milk Black coffee Unsweetened tea (hot or iced) Flavored water (zero calories) or seltzer But sugary soda is one of the worst types of drinks for type 2 diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic. The problems with soda include: Empty calories. Soft drinks are very high in sugar, have zero nutritional value, and are often used in place of healthy drinks such as milk. Cavities. The high sugar combined with the acid in soda dissolves tooth enamel, which increases the risk of cavities. Weight gain. Sugary sodas have about 10 teaspoons of sugar per 12-ounce can. Boosts risk of diabetes and risk of complications for those who have diabetes. Some people with type 2 diabetes continue to drink alcohol, but you should be aware that any alcohol consumption may result in dangerously low blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours. That’s why it’s important to check your blood sugar often and get your doctor's okay before you drink alcohol. People with diabetes should only consume alcohol if their diabetes is well controlled and should always wear a medical Continue reading >>
How Does Coffee Affect Diabetes?
With diabetes, diet is of the utmost concern. What people with diabetes eat and drink directly affects their blood glucose levels. We often concentrate on food, but what people drink is just as important. For many people, the only way to get the day started is with a cup of coffee. Thankfully, recent studies have shown that drinking coffee may actually reduce the risk of getting diabetes. But what about for those who already have diabetes? Is coffee, or the caffeine in coffee, a problem for those with diabetes? Two 8-ounce cups of coffee contain about 280 milligrams of caffeine. For most young healthy adults, caffeine does not seem to make blood sugar levels higher. Even consuming up to 400 milligrams per day appears to be safe for most people. This article will take a closer look at caffeine and some of the research that has been done in this area. Diabetes and caffeine According to the American Diabetes Association in 2012, 29.1 million Americans or 9.3 percent of the population had diabetes. About 8.1 million of the 29.1 million were undiagnosed. The World Health Organization reported that the number of people with diabetes worldwide in 2014 was 422 million. Diabetes affects how the body uses sugar (glucose). The body needs glucose because it is an important energy source for certain cells and is the brain's main source of fuel. Glucose in the body comes from food and drink as well as being made by the liver. Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body and helps the body to absorb glucose. People who have diabetes have too much glucose in their blood, which can cause serious health problems. Diabetes can occur due to either the pancreas not producing no or not enough insulin or the body being unable to use insulin effectively. Type 2 is the most common type Continue reading >>
Can A Type 2 Diabetic Drink Coffee?
The American Diabetes Association identifies coffee as an acceptable beverage for people with diabetes. However, coffee's impact on blood sugars can vary. According to a review published in the February 2014 issue of "Diabetes Care," the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) decreases with coffee consumption. However coffee and the additives in coffee drinks can influence blood sugar control in those who already have diabetes. Testing blood sugars may be the best way to learn the body's response to these beverages. Video of the Day A small study published in the May 2011 issue of "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" reviewed the blood glucose effects of coffee when consumed with a meal, and found that caffeinated coffee caused more insulin resistance and higher post-meal blood sugars compared to decaffeinated coffee. An individual with insulin resistance will require more insulin to lower blood sugar compared to someone whose body uses insulin efficiently. Duke University research published in the February 2008 issue of "Diabetes Care" studied habitual coffee drinkers who had T2DM, testing their glucose levels after ingestion of caffeine supplements equivalent to four cups of coffee. Compared to a placebo, the caffeine supplements caused higher post-meal blood sugars. While the mechanism was unclear, the researchers suggested caffeine may worsen insulin resistance or affect glucose by increasing the production of stress hormones. Decaffeinated coffee may also have an impact on blood sugar levels. Researchers who studied these effects on a small group of healthy young men published their findings in the February 2010 issue of "Diabetes Care." Within 60 minutes of consumption, decaffeinated coffee raised blood glucose more than a placebo, but less than caffeinated Continue reading >>
Does Drinking Coffee Help With Diabetes?
Do you feel you need that cup of coffee in the morning to get yourself fully awake? Do you find you need that cup of coffee to keep going later on during the day? These are two different sets of “needs” and may reflect different “issues”. The History of Coffee Coffee—made from the (usually) roasted beans of the coffee plant (Coffea, arabica, Coffea canephora and other species)—is probably originally from Ethiopia, though today, coffee is grown in many countries, generally in equatorial regions, between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer. It is very likely that the Ethiopians have been enjoying coffee for hundreds if not thousands of years. Today, coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world. The known history of coffee starts in the 15th century in Arabia and was used by the Sufis to stay awake for religious rituals. The use of coffee as a stimulant spread throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa and was known in India by the 17th century. By that time, coffee was also gaining popularity in Europe and was given the title of a “Christian Drink” by Pope Clement VII in 1600. Coffee houses became popular later in the 17th century with some of the same coffee houses surviving and popular to this day! By the 18th century, coffee plantations were being established in the Caribbean and in South America, particularly in Brazil, where today, coffee is a major export. What is in Coffee? Everyone thinks of caffeine as one of the major coffee constituents, and it definitely is. Chemically, caffeine is a xanthine and related to theophylline (found in teas) and theobromine (found in chocolate). However, coffee also contains a number of other phytochemicals (the various chemicals found in plants) including chlorogenic acid, oxal Continue reading >>
