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Caffeine increases blood sugar

Caffeine has been shown to increase blood sugar levels in diabetics. The study published in Diabetes Care Journal showed that caffeine caused blood sugar levels to rise throughout the day.

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea and most soft drinks.

The caffeine study

The participants of an average age of 63 years, were given 4 tablets of caffeine equivalent to 4 cups of coffee. The researchers monitored the blood sugar levels continuously with a tiny glucose monitor embedded under the skin.

Their average daily sugar levels rose 8% compared to the days were the same group of people were given placebo tablets.

Researchers conclusions

Lead researcher James Lane told Reuters, "What we are really showing here is that when people with type-2 diabetes who are regular coffee drinkers drink coffee, it produces an elevation in their glucose throughout the day above what it is if they don't have caffeine."

Lane also added, "This suggests that people with diabetes might want to avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages so that this exaggeration doesn't occur. They may find that it's easier for them to keep their glucose down if they avoid caffeine."

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