Tea and coffee are two of the world’s most consumed beverages. While for some it is a kickstarter to their day, for others it is a guilty pleasure they are not willing to give up. However, for individuals with diabetes, there’s a common concern regarding the benefits and risks associated. 

In this article, we'll explore the impact of tea and coffee on diabetes and whether they can be a part of a diabetes-friendly diet.

How does caffeine influence blood sugar?

Emerging research suggests that the response to caffeine differs for those with type 2 diabetes. Caffeine has been linked to increased blood sugar and insulin levels in this population. In one study, individuals with type 2 diabetes took a 250-milligram caffeine pill with breakfast and another with lunch, roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee per meal. The result was an 8% increase in blood sugar compared to caffeine-free days, with blood sugar surging further after meals.

Caffeine's influence stems from its impact on insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating sugar uptake into cells for energy. It may reduce insulin sensitivity, causing cells to be less responsive to insulin. Consequently, less sugar is absorbed from the bloodstream after meals, prompting the body to produce more insulin, resulting in elevated post-meal insulin levels.

For those with type 2 diabetes, who already experience reduced insulin efficiency, caffeine exacerbates this condition. It becomes more challenging to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, potentially raising the risk of diabetes complications, such as nerve damage and heart disease.

Why does caffeine impact insulin sensitivity? 

Scientists are continually unravelling how caffeine affects insulin and blood sugar. They propose several mechanisms:

• Stress Hormones: Caffeine elevates stress hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline), which can hinder sugar processing by cells and limit insulin production.
• Adenosine Blockage: Caffeine blocks adenosine, a molecule involved in insulin production and cellular response to it.
• Sleep Disruption: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to sleep disturbances, which may further reduce insulin sensitivity.

Determining the right amount of caffeine

It takes as little as 200 milligrams of caffeine to impact blood sugar. This equates to one or two cups of brewed coffee or three to four cups of black tea. However, individual responses to caffeine can vary based on factors such as age and weight.

Consistency in caffeine consumption also plays a role. Regular coffee drinkers with diabetes do not necessarily experience higher blood sugar levels. Some experts suggest that the body may adapt to habitual caffeine intake over time. Nevertheless, for some individuals, caffeine could still lead to blood sugar spikes, even if they start their day with a cup of coffee.

To gauge how caffeine affects your blood sugar, you should consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

For those who are already managing type 2 diabetes, coffee's caffeine content may present challenges in controlling blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar surges following your morning coffee, switching to decaffeinated options might be worth considering.