Despite its energizing and stimulating effects, regular coffee has relatively little effect on blood sugar levels. Although some coffee and espresso drinks may include sugars, syrups and creams, which may cause spikes in blood sugar, coffee alone shouldn’t increase the blood sugar of a healthy adult. For best results, talk to your doctor about the potential effects of coffee consumption on your blood glucose and insulin levels.
Blood Sugar
Caffeine intake of 250 mg or more can have an inhibitive effect on insulin action, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although most young, healthy adults will experience little changes in their blood sugar from regular coffee, individuals with type 2 diabetes may experience a slight increase in blood sugar levels. Since two to three cups of coffee are required to cause this effect, individuals with type 2 diabetes are advised to consider limiting their caffeine intake to help control blood sugar levels.
Insulin Resistance
Depending on factors such as age, diet, and gender, coffee may cause complications in your body’s insulin resistance. The Women to Women website attributes this effect to the cortisol hormone released by the body’s adrenal glands following caffeine intake. Some studies show that women with high levels of insulin resistance may encounter energy crashes and spikes as a result of reduced blood sugar levels in the mid-afternoon. Unlike tea, whose polyphenol antioxidants may help reduce blood sugar levels, coffee may impact insulin resistance and adrenal imbalance in some individuals. Unfortunately, few studies have been able to indicate specific factors that cause blood sugar variations in some people.
Other Effects
Additives and sweeteners such as sucrose, syrups, chocolate, whipped cream and milk may cause spikes in your blood sugar due to their relatively high glycemic index. Mixed espresso drinks and iced coffee beverages such as cappuccinos and mocha lattes are more likely to cause increased blood sugar compared to regular brewed coffee. The caffeine in coffee may create similar effects as blood sugar spikes, resulting in boosts of energy and alertness followed by crashes of grogginess and tiredness.
Safety Concerns
Individuals who consume more than 500 mg of caffeine – roughly four or more cups of coffee – may experience a variety of unpleasant side effects such as increased heart rate, dizziness, nausea and upset stomach. Some individuals may be more sensitive to caffeine than others and may feel jittery or anxious after only a few sips. Talk to your doctor about the ideal caffeine consumption for your body.
References
- The Mayo Clinic; Caffeine: Does It Effect Blood Sugar?; Maria Collazo-Clavell; Feb. 3, 2010
- Women to Women; Caffeine and The Adrenals - Could They Be Paying Dearly?; Marcelle Pick
- Centers For Disease Control and Prevention; Rethink Your Drink; August 17, 2011
- The Mayo Clinic; Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?; March 9, 2011
