Caffeine may interfere with diabetes control

July 28, 2004 in Diabetes & Diabetes Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News

Caffeine may interfere with diabetes control

Caffeine could interfere with the body's ability to handle blood sugar, thus worsening type 2 diabetes, U.S. researchers said this week. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina found a strong correlation between caffeine intake at mealtime and increased glucose and insulin levels among people with type 2 diabetes.

The findings are significant enough that the researchers recommend people with diabetes consider reducing or eliminating caffeine from their diets.

The research team studied 14 habitual coffee drinkers with type 2 diabetes. They put the volunteers on a controlled diet. They took their medications, had their blood tested and then were given caffeine capsules, at which point more blood was taken. Blood was also taken after giving the volunteers a liquid meal supplement.

Caffeine had little effect on glucose and insulin levels when the volunteers fasted, researchers found. But after the liquid meal, those who were given caffeine had a 21% increase in their glucose level and insulin rose 48%.

The researchers said that avoiding caffeine might be another way for people with type 2 diabetes to better manage their blood sugar control.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.