Can someone tell me if caffeine is good or bad for diabetics?
I've read from various sources that drinking caffeinated drinks (e.g., coffee, tea, diet sodas, etc.) is good for me (a recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetic); that too much caffeine is bad for me; that it really doesn't matter; that it depends on the person; etc.
I like to drink a 16 oz. cup of coffee (possibly two of these cups on occasion) in the morning. I also like to drink ice tea with lemon and Sweet 'n Low during the afternoon and with some meals. Very occasionally, I drink a diet Pepsi. Sooo, you can see that I consume a fair amount of caffeine. Can you please clarify (i.e., good or bad or bad in large quantities--if so, how large a quantity)? Thank you in advance for any help you are able to provide.
Steve Whitesel
Animal studies show that papa bears drink too much caffeine, mama bears too little, but baby bears' intake is just right... :)
Caffeine, like any other drug, has differing effects/side effects. In order to reach a balance, the old adage everything in moderation rears its wise head. However, for diabetics, the germaine effect is that caffeine raises blood sugar. So it would be a stretch to say that it's good for diabetics. And since some caffeinated beverages have healthy effects (black coffee and green tea are high in antioxidants), it's hard to say it's bad. The best descriptor may be necessary, as caffeine junkies across the planet would be useless in the AM without it :)
My advice- make sure the caffeine isn't unduly raising your blood sugar- if so, it may be better to cut back. I would check your sugar 2 hours after you drink the most caffeine- so 2 hours after breakfast. If you can't get below 180, sanka is calling... Another method would be to trend your HgBA1C- if you are trending down, all is well- if not, cutting back on the liquid speed may help.
And remember, chronic caffeine consumption may cause rapid hearbeat, or bone loss (pain), so any of these, you should cut back as well. Personally, I would probably never give up a good cup of black coffee, so I suspect there's a healthy amount of joe for all.
Best of luck- Cheers (no, I meant that with a wine glass, not a mug)
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Hannahsdad-
Hello! I agree with Frank! I also know that every diabetic's body works different. What makes your blood sugar rise may not make mine. I am a Diet Snapple Peach Tea and Gold Peak Diet Ice Tea junkie and I haven't experience any high numbers. Being a Diabetic you have to test 2 hours after you eat or drink something to say if you should or shouldn't have it. Here is a link to an article "Caffeine could spell trouble for Diabetic's".
Cherise
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