How does caffeine affect blood sugar?

Diabetics drinking 1-2 cups of brewed coffee or 3-4 cups of black tea, equivalent to 200 mg of caffeine, can increase blood sugar.

Healthy people who eat or drink coffee, tea, soda, chocolate... containing caffeine usually do not experience any health effects. However, diabetics who consume foods high in caffeine will experience an increase in blood sugar levels.

One study looked at people with type 2 diabetes who took one 250 mg caffeine pill with breakfast and another at lunchtime. This was equivalent to drinking two cups of coffee with each meal. Their blood sugar levels were 8% higher than on days when they didn't take caffeine. Researchers explain this because caffeine can affect the way the body responds to insulin, the hormone that allows sugar to enter cells and be used for energy.

Caffeine can reduce insulin sensitivity. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin well. After meals, blood sugar levels rise higher than normal. Over time, high blood sugar can increase the risk of diabetes complications such as nerve damage or heart disease.

Scientists are still learning how caffeine affects insulin and blood sugar levels. Some explanations include caffeine increasing levels of certain stress hormones, such as epinephrine (also known as adrenaline). Epinephrine can prevent cells from processing sugar, preventing the body from making as much insulin.

Drinking a lot of caffeinated coffee can increase blood sugar levels. Photo: Freepik — Drinking too much coffee can increase blood sugar levels. Photo: *Freepik*

Caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine. Adenosine plays an important role in the body's production of insulin. Caffeine also controls how cells respond to it. Drinking too much caffeine can keep you awake. Lack of sleep can also reduce insulin sensitivity.

About 200 mg of caffeine (about 1-2 cups of brewed coffee or 3-4 cups of black tea) can affect blood sugar levels. However, each person's body may react differently to caffeine depending on age and weight.

People with diabetes who drink coffee regularly do not have higher blood sugar levels than those who do not. Some experts think the body gets used to the caffeine over time. But other research shows that caffeine can still cause blood sugar spikes, even if a person usually starts the day with a cup of coffee.

To find out if caffeine raises blood sugar, people with diabetes should see a doctor. They can check their blood sugar throughout the morning after drinking their usual cup of coffee or tea. Then, check it after skipping a few days. Compare these results to see if caffeine has an effect on blood sugar.

Studies have shown that coffee can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Experts believe this is because the drink is rich in antioxidants. However, for people who already have type 2 diabetes, this may not be true. Drinking caffeinated coffee makes it harder for people to control their blood sugar levels.

Kim Uyen (According to Web MD )

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