- Caffeine may interfere with the way the body deals with
blood sugars, worsening Type 2 diabetes, US scientists suggest.
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- Duke University Medical Center researchers found a strong
link between caffeine intake at mealtimes and higher blood glucose and
insulin levels.
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- Writing in Diabetes Care, they suggest people with diabetes
cut down the amount of caffeine they have.
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- But UK experts said diabetics simply needed to check
their blood sugar levels to see what triggers increases.
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- In Type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce
enough insulin, which the body needs to convert food into energy, or is
unable to make proper use of it. Without enough insulin, the body cannot
move blood sugar into the cells. Sugar builds up in the bloodstream and
causes health problems.
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- Other research into caffeine and coffee has shown varying
results.
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- Some have suggested caffeine reduces the body's sensitivity
to insulin.
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- However others have found components in coffee, such
as magnesium and chlorogenic acid, could help prevent people developing
Type 2 diabetes.
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- Blood checks
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- The US researchers studied 14 habitual coffee drinkers
with type 2 diabetes.
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- Study participants were put on to a controlled diet in
which they took their medications, had their blood tested and then were
given caffeine capsules.
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- They then had another blood test before being given a
liquid meal supplement and undergoing a third blood test.
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- It was found that caffeine had little effect on glucose
and insulin levels when the volunteers fasted.
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- But after the liquid meal, those who were given caffeine
had a 21% increase in their glucose level and insulin rose 48%.
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- James Lane, professor of psychiatry at Duke, who led
the study, said: "In a healthy person, glucose is metabolised within
an hour or so after eating. Diabetics, however, do not metabolise glucose
as efficiently."
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- "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."
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- Disease management
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- He added: "The goal of clinical treatment for diabetes
is to keep the person's blood glucose down.
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- "It seems that caffeine, by further impairing the
metabolism of meals, is something diabetics ought to consider avoiding.
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- "Some people already watch their diet and exercise
regularly. Avoiding caffeine might be another way to better manage their
disease.
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- "In fact, it's possible that staying away from caffeine
could provide bigger benefits altogether."
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- However Debbie Hammond, a Care Advisor at Diabetes UK
was cautious about the study's findings.
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- She told BBC News Online: "Although interesting,
this is a very small study.
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- "Much more research is be needed to clarify the
significance of these findings.
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- "To improve diabetes control we'd advise people
to regularly test their blood glucose levels so they are aware of fluctuations
and can act on them."
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- © BBC MMIV http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3936333.stm
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