Caffeine and Diabetes

Milk or cream? Sugar or sweetener? If you're a coffee or tea lover, you've always been faced with choices. Researchers now believe that caffeine may play a role in the development of diabetes, presenting your most important decision yet: to choose a traditional or decaf blend.

In Japan, researchers have claimed that those who take caffeine in the form of coffee or green tea may reduce the risk of diabetes. Medical experts, on the other hand, now claim that caffeine can pose a higher risk for diabetes. A study conducted on participants aged 40 to 65 who drank black, green and oolong teas showed that drinking at least three or more cups of these caffeinated beverages each day could result in a 33 percent reduction in their risk of diabetes. Other substances in coffee, however, can have negative effects on the body's metabolism, creating other health problems. Modern research suggests that it's advisable to avoid caffeine in order to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Most modern research shows that avoiding caffeine is still advisable for those wanting to reduce the risk of diabetes. Researchers from a well-known university medical center found that drinking caffeine with meals caused an increase in glucose levels and insulin among people suffering Type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a component required for cells to convert glucose into energy. When a person with diabetes drinks caffeine with a meal, the caffeine can hinder the ability to metabolize the meals that are eaten. Fasting subjects who took part in this research saw no significant change in their glucose or insulin levels.

The goal for diabetics is to keep their blood glucose levels down. Healthy diet and exercise are important ways to control glucose levels, but caffeine elimination is also a very important consideration.

Caffeine has a direct negative effect on insulin levels. As you know, diabetes is the inability to control sugar levels in the blood. In some cases, the body doesn't produce enough insulin. In other cases, the body produces a hormone that resists insulin.

Caffeine also creates a chemical called alloxan. This free radical generator is a known cause of diabetes, aging and other diseases. Alloxan not only poisons important insulin-creating cells, but also causes damage to the pancreas and may ultimately lead to pancreatic cancer. When we drink caffeine we are allowing our bodies to create more alloxan, increasing the risk or developing diabetes or making an existing condition worse.

Eliminating caffeine altogether is no easy feat. Caffeine is found in food and beverages around the world. Tea, coffee, chocolate, soft drinks and many supplements contain high levels of caffeine and, as a result, massive doses of deadly alloxan. Choosing decaffeinated beverages is not always the best alternative, as these can also contain certain levels of caffeine. The best way to limit caffeine to control or prevent diabetes is to eliminate it altogether.

Traditionally, caffeine intake was a concern only for older patients. Unfortunately, young adults and even teenagers are at risk of consuming too much caffeine. Soft drink companies are now marketing "power drinks" to these young consumers. This rather sad "energy drink" craze has resulted in some juices and bottled waters with added caffeine, as well as high-powered teas sold by respected tea manufacturers.

Anyone interested in reducing the risk of developing diabetes, controlling an existing condition or simply living a healthier lifestyle must take steps to reduce or eliminate caffeine intake.

Article Source: Main Articles

Writer Phillip Blunzon contributes articles to several popular online magazines, on health plan and health and wellness themes.
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