Factors to consider around type 1 diabetes and coffee consumption

When it comes to diabetes and coffee consumption, the experience can be different for everyone.

Caffeine is primarily regarded as a positive stimulant in our daily lives — and for good reason! A nice cup of coffee in the morning can be the key to having a productive day, and it's a staple of many people's routines.

However, the effects of caffeine can vary from one person to another. For instance, some people living with diabetes report changes in their blood sugar levels (and, in turn, diabetes management needs) after drinking coffee, while others have experienced no impact.

To get to the bottom of this, researchers have been investigating the link between caffeine and blood sugar levels. Interestingly, one study published in Diabetes Care actually found that people can reduce the risk of dangerously low blood sugar drops by having a small to moderate amount of caffeine.

While some have suggested that early morning blood sugar spikes are due to diabetes and coffee consumption, there may be hidden factors that contribute to the trend. Here's what to consider if you live with diabetes and enjoy drinking coffee on a regular basis.

Added sweeteners can cause spikes

Everyone's bodies react differently when it comes to sweeteners, artificial or not. Sweeteners that contain cane sugar, honey, or any other natural sugar can spike blood glucose readings and will need to be accounted for when calculating insulin. Meanwhile, artificial sweeteners can contain hidden sugars, so it's important to double-check the label and understand the different sweeteners' effects on blood sugar levels:

• Some artificial sweeteners can cause cephalic phase insulin release, causing a rise in insulin levels.
• Consistent use of artificial sweeteners can affect healthy gut bacteria. This can lead to insulin resistance, causing increased blood sugar levels.
  

Hormones might change your experience

Caffeine triggers hormones within the body, which may be why people with diabetes may notice a change in their blood sugar after they have their morning coffee. Here are four hormones that caffeine may affect:

1. Adenosine. Caffeine can slow the absorption of a hormone called adenosine, which promotes calmness in the body. The sudden jolt of alertness can cause some people to feel anxious or stressed, releasing stress hormones that almost always spike blood sugar levels.
2. Adrenaline. Adrenaline is another hormone that caffeine kicks into gear. After the initial boost, people have been known to feel fatigued, annoyed, or on edge the rest of the day due to the ups and downs of adrenaline. These emotional responses could contribute to blood sugar fluctuations.
3. Dopamine. Similar to amphetamines, caffeine increases dopamine levels. This can lead to addictive tendencies, which can make it difficult to give up caffeine even if you're experiencing negative effects.
4. Cortisol. Caffeine can increase cortisol levels, which is the body's stress hormone. The most recognized contributing factor to blood sugar spikes in the morning is called "The Dawn Phenomenon." This refers to a rise in blood sugar levels between the hours of approximately 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Research has shown that cortisol, epinephrine, and glucagon released overnight in the body can increase insulin resistance. So, in theory, caffeine may not be the issue at all when it comes to morning blood sugar spikes.

Caffeine's effect on your body

Caffeine can impact your body in a few ways. It's important to understand the following effects in order to best manage your t1d in conjunction.

Gastrointestinal response

Coffee has been known to upset certain people's stomachs due to its acidity. This can even lead to issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. When people with diabetes become ill, it can be difficult to manage blood sugar levels if they can't keep food down and have trouble counting carbs/calculating insulin for those foods as a result. Stress hormones also play a factor when dealing with an illness.

Lack of sleep

Too much caffeine intake throughout the day can lead to a lack of sleep. An adequate amount of sleep is crucial for overall health. If the body is constantly overtired, the immune system will likely begin to suffer — as will your blood sugar levels.

Elevated heart rate

Caffeine elevates your heart rate, which can make you feel jittery, not unlike having low blood sugar. It's important to check your blood sugar levels to make sure you aren't experiencing hypoglycemia.

Exercise timing

It's best to get your exercise in soon after your caffeine intake so that you have the energy required. Otherwise, as the caffeine wears off, it could become more difficult to get the motivation to work out. Exercise is essential when it comes to warding off insulin resistance and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.

Overall, and depending on your own caffeine tolerance, coffee consumption may work wonderfully with your diabetes management. As long as you're aware of the potential side effects of caffeine and how to manage them, you can continue to enjoy your morning coffee.

Curious to learn more about the ways your daily routine may be affecting your diabetes management needs? Explore the library of articles on Health Insights for more information.