Does Coffee Creamer Raise Glucose Levels?

Coffee is a popular pick-me-up and morning drink for many people. If you have diabetes and are watching your blood glucose levels, you should be thoughtful about adding sugar and creamer to your coffee. Both of these items can increase your blood sugar level. Include the carbohydrate level of any creamer you use as you calculate your daily carbohydrate levels.

People with diabetes mellitius have difficulty using the sugar in their bloodstreams appropriately. This can result in elevated levels of blood sugar, or blood glucose, and can result in tissue damage. Organs that can be damaged by elevated levels of blood glucose include your eyes, kidneys and your hands and feet. You can prevent tissue damage by carefully monitoring your blood sugar, how many carbohydrates you eat and using medication correctly.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in 2005 the per capita coffee consumption in the United States was 24.2 gallons. Coffee is not harmful for most people. In fact, regular coffee consumption may reduce a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a study in the "Annals of Internal Medicine." Unfortunately, if you prepare or order coffee with sweeteners, flavorings, creamers or whipped cream, you increase the sugar content in your beverage.

Coffee creamer is available in liquid and powdered form. According to the American Diabetes Association, a two tablespoon serving of liquid coffee creamer typically contains 11 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of this is sugar. If you sweeten your coffee with flavored creamers, you are adding even more sugar. As if the sugar wasn't bad enough, the ADA reports that coffee creamers are high in saturated fat as well.

Your dietitian and health-care provider will help you establish a schedule to check your glucose levels and a nutrition plan. You can manage your blood glucose levels with a combination of dietary measures, exercise and, occasionally, medication. Remember to track all of the food and drink you consume. Coffee with creamer is not a "free" food and can raise your glucose levels.