Posted on March 6, 2008 in Latest News
Consumption of caffeine in type-2 diabetics raises their blood sugar levels making the condition worse, says a US study. Researchers suggested that avoiding caffeine intake helps them to better control their blood sugar levels.
The study found that type-2 diabetics who consume 4 cups of coffee or more a day cause their blood sugar levels to rise up by 8% in compare to non caffeine days. This makes them harder to manage their condition.
The study was conducted on ten patients with type-2 diabetes who were around 63 years old. Dr James Lane, a psychologist at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina and the author of the study warned against reading too much into this small study. But he emphasized that caffeine does influenced the blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetics in their day to day life.
The researchers also found that caffeine intake showed more effect after meals. It raised blood sugar levels by 9% after breakfast, 15% after lunch and 26% after dinner.
Dr James Lane said that: “For people with diabetes, drinking coffee or consuming caffeine in other beverages may make it harder for them to control their glucose.”
Lane said that it is not clear how caffeine boosts up glucose levels but he told out of his prediction that: “It could be that caffeine interferes with the process that moves glucose from the blood and into muscle and other cells in the body where it is used for fuel. It may also be that caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline — the fight or flight — hormone that we know can also boost sugar levels.”
The researchers said that as the study needs more evidence to proof the point, medical guidance on avoiding foods containing caffeine will help diabetics.
Adding to it Lane said that: “Our study suggests that one way to lower blood sugar is to simply quit drinking coffee, or any other caffeinated beverages. It may not be easy, but it doesn’t cost a dime, and there are no side effects.”
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