Caffeine May Hamper Blood Sugar Control

Caffeine may cause problems with blood sugar control after meals for people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Although more research is needed to confirm these results, researchers say their findings show that people with diabetes who have problems with glucose and insulin control should consider cutting back on caffeine in their diets.

The study showed that after a large dose of caffeine, blood glucose and insulin levels surge in response after meals in people with type 2 diabetes. These patients can have high insulin levels because they inefficiently use the hormone to lower blood glucose.

"In a healthy person, glucose is metabolized within an hour or so after eating. Diabetics, however, do not metabolize glucose as efficiently," says researcher James D. Lane, PhD, associate research professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University, in a news release. "It appears that diabetics who consume caffeine are likely having a harder time regulating their insulin and glucose levels than those who don't take caffeine." "The goal of clinical treatment for diabetes is to keep the person's blood glucose down".