Caffeine and Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that has long plagued patients around the world; yet despite the history and prevalence of the condition, it continues to mystify doctors, researchers and patients. One mystery is the correlation between diabetes and caffeine.

In Japan, researchers have claimed that those who take caffeine in the form of coffee or green tea may reduce the risk of diabetes. Medical experts, on the other hand, now claim that caffeine can pose a higher risk for diabetes. A study conducted on participants aged 40 to 65 who drank black, green and oolong teas showed that drinking at least three or more cups of these caffeinated beverages each day could result in a 33 percent reduction in their risk of diabetes. Other substances in coffee, however, can have negative effects on the body's metabolism, creating other health problems. Modern research suggests that it's advisable to avoid caffeine in order to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Research conducted at a respected university medical centre suggested that drinking caffeine with meals would result in an increase in insulin and glucose levels in participants with Type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a naturally-occurring component in the body that converts glucose into energy. A person with diabetes who drinks caffeine with a meal may suffer from a hindered metabolism. Participants who fasted during the study showed no significant changes in their insulin or glucose levels.

Keeping blood glucose levels down in the goal of all diabetics. Smart lifestyle choices, like a healthy diet combined with exercise, are important to controlling these glucose levels. As a result of the recent medical research, it may also be necessary to eliminate caffeine from your diet.

Diabetes prevents the body from controlling sugar levels in the blood. For many patients, the body does not produce sufficient insulin. Other patients suffer with a hormone that resists insulin. The caffeine in coffee and tea has been shown to have a direct negative effect on insulin levels. There is another way that caffeine can pose a risk to diabetics.

A chemical called alloxan is a known cause of diabetes. This theory was proven in lab tests where mice fed with alloxan developed diabetes. Alloxan is a free radical generator that not only poisons our insulin-creating cells, but can also cause aging and disease. Alloxan causes damage to the pancreas, including pancreatic cancer. Caffeine causes the natural creation of alloxan in the body, therefore increasing the chance of developing diabetes, or making an existing condition worse.

Even though the consumption of caffeine can contribute to many health concerns and diseases, people around the world continue to thrive on it. Caffeine is present in tea, coffee, soft drinks, chocolate and many diet and energy supplements. People who drink several cups of coffee, tea or soft drinks on a daily basis are taking in massive doses of harmful alloxan. Even decaffeinated beverages contain some caffeine and, therefore, certain levels of alloxan. Everyone should limit their caffeine intakes, particularly those at risk of, or suffering from, diabetes.

Despite the proven health dangers of caffeine, people around the world continue to devour it. A morning coffee or afternoon tea are popular ways to get a caffeine rush. Unfortunately, younger people are now becoming drawn to beverages with dangerously high levels of caffeine. The soft drink industry is marketing these so called "power drinks" to a younger demographic -- even children. Young adults 15-21 years of age are supporting the drink pushers by buying products that have abnormally high levels of caffeine. Some juices and bottled waters have caffeine added to them and even well known tea manufacturers have begun promoting highly-caffeinated teas.

Anyone interested in reducing the risk of developing diabetes, controlling an existing condition or simply living a healthier lifestyle must take steps to reduce or eliminate caffeine intake.

Writer Phillip Blunzon contributes articles to several today's best web sites, on health plan and health and wellness themes.
This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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