It’s no surprise that your blood sugar levels fall and rise in response to what you eat and drink. However, a diabetes specialist has warned that a popular drink consumed by millions of Britons could spell bad news for your blood sugar levels.
Depending on how you take it, coffee can offer some major health benefits. But the caffeinated version of the black drink might not be the best choice for people with diabetes, according to a diabetes specialist.
The endocrine expert, known on TikTok as The Voice of Diabetes, said: “We know that even black coffee can spike our blood sugar levels. We’ve seen this over and over again. And we see this on a daily basis with blood glucose continuous monitors.”
Some people’s blood sugar is extra sensitive to the effects of caffeine, with regular high caffeine consumption being linked to impaired insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.
Impaired insulin sensitivity means your body needs more insulin because your body is less responsive to the blood-sugar regulating hormone.
However, a 2009 study of 40,000 participants noted that consumption of three cups of tea or coffee a day led to a 40 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Fortunately, the diabetes specialist has shared how you can reap these benefits and enjoy your coffee while avoiding a blood sugar spike.
1. Stick to black coffee
The Voice of Diabetes explained that black coffee is still going to be a “much better” option than having coffee with additives, creamers, syrups and more.
She said: “I normally tell patients, ‘Have black coffee and try to adjust to it’. If you normally don’t like black coffee, I recommend slowly trying to get into the routine of liking and enjoying black coffee.
“There’s a lot of benefits that coffee can actually have on your overall health so you don’t need to eliminate it completely, but you want to be smart about what kind you’re drinking.”
2. Limit additives
Another tip the expert offered is cutting back on what you add to your coffee because additives can be “loaded with hidden sugars”.
3. Choose quality beans
The diabetes specialist added that the better the coffee, the tastier and smoother it will taste which will make it easier to enjoy without additives.
