Caffeine Raises Blood Sugar Levels In Type 2 Diabetics
It may come as quite a shock to those type 2 diabetics who regularly consume caffeine to hear that studies are now showing that caffeine raises blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics.
I’m a regular diet coke drinker and I thought that because there is no sugar in diet coke it was safe for me to drink regularly…I was wrong.
The American Diabetes Association announced the findings of a Duke University study which showed that caffeine raised the blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetics throughout the day and especially after meals. But I thought caffeine was ok for diabetics?
Previous studies on the link between caffeine and diabetes had shown that caffeine consumption lowered the risk of type 2 diabetes. Those who drank the most caffeine were the least likely to develop type 2 diabetes. It was these finding that may have lead to the misconception that caffeine had no ill effect on diabetics.
What the Duke University study is now showing is that in people who have type 2 diabetes, caffeine raised their blood sugar levels throughout the day. So even if they drank caffeine in the morning it had an effect on their blood sugar level throughout the entire day making it difficult to keep it under control.
So what is suggested? Well, if you are a type 2 diabetic such as myself, and you are finding it difficult to keep your blood glucose levels in the normal range you may want to examine the amount of caffeine you are consuming.
Like I said, I am a diet coke drinker. This is the source of any caffeine that I consume. I have been having a hard time controlling my blood glucose levels lately and I have been examining all the parts of my life: fitness, diabetes friendly diet, stress reducing tai chi…stuff like that. What I didn’t take into consideration was the amount of caffeine I was consuming daily.
Now that studies have shown caffeine raises blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics I will have to monitor the amount of caffeine I consume. Of course, the ideal amount would be zero and that is what I’ll shoot for. But hey, no one is perfect.
So what if you drink tons of caffeine throughout the day but you have no problem keeping your blood glucose level under control? Well, my opinion would be not to change a thing. You have found the right combo of diet, exercise, medicine and whatever else you do to control your diabetes and shouldn’t tinker with it. You know the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it”.
1. Jolt Cola
|
The classic caffeine-laden cola. Jolt is the favored drink of computer programmers everywhere. Double the caffeine of Coke in a variety of new flavors. Contrary to popular belief, Jolt doesn’t have any more sugar than regular soft drinks. Their new cans are resealable, to help keep the fizz in.(72mg in 12oz) |
2. Red Bull
|
Red Bull is a sweet caffinated energy drink, with high levels of caffeine and taurine. Even a dose of several B vitamins. Unlike other caffeinated drinks, Red Bull isn’t a cola and has a unique taste. The can is a little smaller than usual, but with even more caffiene than Jolt.(80mg in 8oz) |
3. Bawls
|
Their soft drink is made with guarana, which is higher in caffeine than the more commonly-used cola nut. It has a lighter taste that typical colas, and also comes in a sugar-free format. They even make caffeinated mints.(80mg in 12oz) |
4. Water Joe
|
If you’re looking for caffeine, but don’t care for the taste of cola, try Water Joe. It’s plain spring water, with added caffeine. It’s not as highly caffeinated as some of the other brands, but Water Joe is still a unique drink with no calories, sugar or carbs. How healthy is that? (60mg in 17oz) |
5. Afri-Cola
|
A very strong and sweet cola drink in a curvy bottle. Afri-cola is made with quality ingredients that you can really taste, and it sure packs a caffeine punch. Warning, much of their website is in German. (250mg in 11oz) |
This caffeine diabetes link is one more example of how research and information can make living with diabetes more manageable. I think it was GI Joe that said “Now you know and knowing is half the battle…Go JOE!”.
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Looks like a blew it already. I’ve had 2 cans of diet coke today.