A cup of coffee is indeed a must for coffee lovers to start the day. However, people with diabetes may worry about the increase in blood sugar due to coffee.
In the short term, an increase in blood sugar can occur. Coffee can cause a slight increase in blood sugar after drinking it, even though coffee does not contain additional carbohydrates such as sugar, syrup, or creamer.
“Many of my clients are surprised that even black coffee can slightly increase their blood sugar levels,” says Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, a Los Angeles-based diabetes consultant and plant-based nutrition expert, as reported in Everyday Health.
Sheth added that caffeine can trigger the release of hormones such as adrenaline. This is what can cause the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.
However, not all diabetics will feel a difference in blood sugar levels after drinking black coffee, as long as they consume this drink in sufficient quantities.
The real problem for coffee lovers with diabetes is the carbohydrates found in additives. This is what makes a cup of bitter black coffee sweeter and smoother, but it can also increase blood sugar.
These additives include sugar, flavored syrups, whipped cream, honey and other natural sweeteners, milk, and creamer. Keep in mind that the carbohydrates found in drinks have the same effect on blood sugar as the carbohydrates found in food.
If you regularly experience rapid blood sugar spikes from these additives, you may be at increased risk for diabetes-related complications, says Ethan Chandler, MD, a family medicine practitioner at Texas Health Family Care in Saginaw.
One study found that drinking coffee may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long term.
People who consumed 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine from coffee daily (about the amount in two to three 8-ounce cups of coffee) had a nearly 50 percent lower risk of cardiometabolic disease, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.
However, Dr. Chandler emphasized that although black coffee has long-term benefits for diabetics, it is still necessary to consult and avoid consuming coffee with additional ingredients.
To help avoid the spike in blood sugar in the morning caused by coffee, try combining it with a few things. Starting from high-fiber foods, drinking water first, and avoiding choices that are too sweet.
+ There are no comments
Add yours