What Is Considered High Blood Sugar?

For diabetics, knowing what is considered high blood sugar and what is not, can be a real lifesaver.

The body naturally has glucose in the blood which gives the organs and cells energy to function. Blood sugar mainly comes from carbohydrates and the body needs insulin in order to maintain blood glucose levels within the normal range. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the blood and use it for energy or store it.

what is considered high blood sugarIf insulin doesn’t work properly or there’s not enough of it, blood sugar levels rise. Too much blood glucose is known as hyperglycemia, a condition that can cause various health problems.

In this article, we’ll explore what high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) feels like, why it happens and how you know if you have hyperglycemia.

So what is considered high blood sugar?

Anything over 120 mg/dl is what is considered high blood sugar and once blood sugar levels reach 140 mg/dl they begin to damage the body. There are several things you can do to help control your blood sugar. The first is to talk to your doctor. Use a blood glucose meter, these help by allowing you to check your blood sugar at any time.

What are the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar?

  • Headache and other pains and aches
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling tired or drowsy
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Slow healing of cuts, wounds, and bruises
  • Bloating

Low insulin and high blood sugar can lead to a build-up of ketones, or even lead to DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), a complication that required immediate medical attention.

If this happens, you may experience:

  • A rapid heartbeat
  • Fruity smell or taste
  • Disorientation
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dehydration
  • Vomiting
  • Coma

Moreover, your blood sugar level may be over 250 ml/dL. Most people with diabetes typically experience the symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in the morning.

Effects of high blood sugar on the body.

High blood sugar can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are some that you need to be aware of:

What is considered high blood sugar

  • Thirst and frequent urination: Excess sugar in the blood goes into the kidneys and the system works to get rid of it through the urine, causing frequent urination and increased thirst. People with high blood sugar tend to experience increased thirst, despite drinking the recommended amount of liquids.
  • Tingling and numbness: High blood sugar levels can also cause tingling, burning, or numbness in the feet, legs, and hands. This can be caused by diabetic neuropathy, a condition that arises after many years of consistently high blood sugar levels.
  • Weight loss: Unexplained or sudden weight loss can occur in people with high blood sugar levels because cells are not getting the nourishment (glucose) they need. As a result, the body burns stored fat and muscle for energy instead.

What is considered high blood sugar

Can High Blood Sugar be Dangerous?

When insulin levels are too low the sugar levels begin to rise and this can damage the body. The damage often associated with high blood sugar is heart damage, nerve damage, eye damage, and kidney damage. This kind of damage will impair diabetes later on in life so it is best to control your blood sugar.

Causes of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can be caused by various conditions, including:

  • Gestational diabetes occurs when high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance appear during pregnancy. If this happens, the mother should be closely monitored as high blood sugar levels during pregnancy can lead to various complications for the baby and the mother as well.
  • Type 1 diabetes is where the immune system launches an attack on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, insulin production is reduced or stopped and blood glucose levels rise. People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes regulate their blood sugar level by taking insulin through a pen, insulin pump, or needle. According to the American Diabetes Association, only 5% of people with diabetes have type 1 Diabetes.
  • Type 2 diabetes is where the pancreas produces insulin but the body does not use it properly. In this case, the body is unable to use insulin to keep blood glucose levels steady (insulin resistance). If you have type 2 diabetes, you may need to make exercise or diet changes or take pills or insulin to help manage your blood sugar levels.
  • Cystic fibrosis: Studies suggest there may be a link between cystic fibrosis and diabetes
  • Medications: Certain steroids and beta-blockers can raise blood sugar levels.

Long-term complications of high blood sugar.

Consistently high blood sugar levels can damage the body’s systems and organs. This can lead to serious complications such as:

  • Kidney disease
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Damage to the eyes and loss of vision
  • Nerve damage leads to infections, sores, and wound healing problems

Risk factors

  • Type 1 Diabetes

Although researchers have not yet established exactly what causes high blood sugar levels and diabetes, there are certain factors that increase the risk.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, certain genes have been shown to have an impact. Moreover, infections and viruses may play a role. Studies also show that certain environmental or genetic factors may increase the risk of getting type 1 diabetes.

You can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at any age, but it usually starts during early adulthood or childhood.

  • Type 2 Diabetes

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes include:

  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Being overweight
  • Having certain genes
  • Being over 45 years old
  • Having a sibling or parent with type 2 diabetes
  • Having American Indian, African-American, Pacific Islander, Alaska Native, Hispanic, or Asian-American ethnicity.
  • Having high blood pressure or receiving treatment for it
  • Having high levels of triglycerides or low levels of HDL cholesterol.

What is considered High blood glucose levelsFocus on eating the correct diet for diabetics.

 The correct diet for a diabetic is low sugar items and items with high dietary fiber. This should be discussed with your doctor as he can give you the best information.

What is considered high blood sugar

Avoid foods that are high in fat and refrain from consuming alcohol, because alcohol stays in the bloodstream and its action mimics that of blood sugar. You’re going to need to cut down on the salt intake as well.

American Diabetes Association Diet Plan Food Recommendation

The following foods are considered to be most helpful for diabetics:

  • All kinds of beans – green and black beans, pinto beans, and navy beans. Beans are full of protein and energy. One-half cup of beans contains equal protein to that in an ounce of meat.
  • Berries – raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fibers.
  • Whole grains – avoid flours that are processed too much (pretty much all white flour falls into this overly-processed category) and instead go for the less processed forms like whole wheat and whole-grain options.

Tomatoes are good antioxidants and are very versatile since you can simply eat them as they are, peel or slice them, and even add them as toppings to your food. These are rich in iron, Vitamin C and E, and are good for your heart as well.

The bottom-line.

Monitoring your blood sugar levels alongside exercise and diet can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Other strategies that can help prevent high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

  • taking the amount of insulin prescribed by your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes,
  • planning your exercise routine and food intake,
  • taking precautions to avoid infections,
  • minimizing stress by getting enough sleep
  • including other stress-reducing activities like yoga and meditation in your daily life.

Read about more of the complications that come with diabetes here!

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What are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?

Diabetes Testing Numbers

Diabetes testing numbers are very important for those people with diabetes.  In today’s world, more and more people are becoming diabetic largely due to the amount of sugar in the average American diet. Diabetes is a disease where the body’s organ known as the pancreas manufactures too little of a chemical known as insulin.

Insulin is used by the body to convert the glucose (sugar) in the blood into fuel that the body can use. When the insulin levels are low the sugar levels are high and this can cause a lot of damage to the body as at too high a level, sugar can become a poison killing the body slowly.

The damage associated with high blood sugar includes heart damage and the risk of getting heart disease, eye damage/blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage. These factors make diabetes a deadly and very serious disease. So, what should an average person’s diabetes testing numbers be compared to that of a diabetic?

diabetes testing numbersWhat are Normal blood sugar levels for non-diabetics?

For most people who are non-diabetic healthy individuals, their blood glucose levels would vary during the day, depending on whether it is premeal, or two hours after eating.  Generally, premeal levels would be the lowest. For some, 60 mg/dL is normal, for others, 90 mg/dL is also normal.

Most people that don’t have diabetes would sit around :

Fasting – 72 – 99mg/dL (4.0 to 5.4 mmol/L)

2 hours after eating – Up to 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)

Normal blood sugar levelsWhat is a Good Blood Sugar Level for Diabetes Type 2?

Good blood sugar levels for the average person with diabetes should be between 60.8 mg/dl and 120.4 mg/dl ( 3.4 to 6.7mmol/L) depending on the time of day and amount in the last meal.

However, with diabetes type 2, your glucose levels can be anywhere from 120.8 to 200 mg/dl (6.7 to 11.1mmol/L)

diabetes testing numbers

At these levels, the body suffers damage. In order to keep the body from reaching these extremes, it must be monitored with a blood glucose meter. There are many different versions around nowadays, some are watches, and some require no needle finger pricks.

Check HERE for the top 5 companies developing non-invasive glucose monitors in 2022.

random blood sugar levelsWhat are random blood sugar levels?

A random blood glucose test is where a small amount of blood is taken and added to a blood testing strip and tested at any given time of the day. This type of random blood testing is really quite essential for a diabetic, as it can indicate how well they are managing the disease.

Non-diabetic random blood levels – would be below 200 mg/dL (11.1mmol/L)

Diabetes random blood levels – would be above 200 mg/dL (11.1mmol/L)

Normal blood sugar levelsWhat are Blood sugar levels 2 hours postprandial?

To start with, postprandial means after lunch or dinner. So the “PPG concentrations” are referring to the Plasma glucose concentrations after eating.

Non-diabetic 2 hours after eating – should be below 140mg/dL  (7.8mmol/L)

Diabetic 2 hours after eating –  should be below 180 mg/dl (10.mmol/L)

Fasting blood glucose levelsWhat are Fasting blood sugar levels

A fasting blood sugar level is taken after you have fasted (not eaten) overnight. It is important that you have had nothing to eat or drink, apart from water, for approximately 8 hours. This particular test will help your doctor, or health care professional to determine whether you have diabetes or not.

Normal Result – Fasting Blood glucose test – less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)

Prediabetes Result – Fasting blood glucose – 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L)

Diabetes Result – Fasting blood sugar test – 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests.

Normal blood sugar levelsNormal blood sugar levels During pregnancydiabetes testing numbers

If you have diabetes and you are pregnant, you need to be very strict with checking your blood sugar levels. Your doctor or obstetrician will ask you to monitor prior to meals, 1 or 2 hours after meals, and then also additional times such as prior to going to bed and even overnight.

You will need to keep good records of these results to give your team a better understanding of your sugar levels, so you can adjust your insulin levels accordingly.

Recommended level target during pregnancy – Fasting 4.0–5.5 mmol/L

Recommended level target during pregnancy – 2 hours after meal 5.5–7.0 mmol/L

So How Can we all Lower our Blood glucose Level Naturally?

  • Ensure you always monitor your blood sugar levels
  • Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated
  • Try and control your stress levels  – perhaps do some meditation or yoga.
  • Make healthy food choices – control your carb intake and choose low-GI foods.
  • Cut down on your meal portions
  • Increase your fiber intake
  • Very importantly, regular exercise. This will assist with weight loss as well as increase your insulin sensitivity.

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More on Normal Random Blood Sugar Levels HERE!

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Normal Random Blood Sugar Levels

Normal random blood sugar levels fall within a standard range of between 70mg/dl to 150mg/dl. This variation can be attributed to various factors including the time, type, and volume of food consumed during previous meals.

When you eat foods that are high in carbohydrates, pancreatic secretions of glucagon and insulin regulate the glucose levels. However, the main problem arises when the pancreas does not secrete sufficient amounts of insulin to convert glucose into energy.

The condition of extremely high blood sugar is known as Hyperglycemia which can damage various organs resulting in kidney damage, nerve damage, loss of vision, and heart disease. The other extreme of low blood sugar is known as hypoglycemia and the patient might lose consciousness in case the blood sugar level is too low.

In case your blood sugar level does not fall within the normal range, appropriate action should be taken to diagnose the condition. Here are some tests to help diagnose diabetes and help diabetics ascertain how to manage the disease in the best way possible.

normal random blood sugar levels, normal blood sugar levels,

  1. Random Blood Glucose Test

Normal random blood sugar levels

Random blood glucose tests are used to measure the amount of blood sugar or glucose circulating in your blood. Random blood sugar levels are used to determine whether you’re likely to have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, other tests are usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

What is random blood sugar testing?

Random glucose tests measure the amount of blood glucose at any given time during the day. Many blood glucose tests involve either continuous or fasting monitoring, but a random blood sugar test does not. However, random tests are particularly useful for someone who needs a speedy diagnosis and medical attention.  Moreover, random blood sugar testing is an essential tool for diabetics because it helps determine how well the condition is being managed.

Reasons for random testing

Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to produce, release or use insulin once sugar is converted to glucose. Therefore, your doctor might recommend a random blood sugar test if you’re showing symptoms of diabetes. Early signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Excessive thirst and urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Slow healing of cuts, bruises, and wounds
  • Tingling in legs and arms (diabetic neuropathy as a result of uncontrolled diabetes)

Type 2 diabetes tends to develop slowly and symptoms can be hard to detect especially during the early stages.

Random glucose testing and diabetes management

what are normal random blood sugar levelsIn people without diabetes, blood sugar levels are controlled through the actions of insulin and the cells’ use of glucose for energy. Therefore, their random blood glucose test results would remain relatively stable over the course of the day. There are no significant changes even if they:

  • Experience stress
  • Eat at different times of the day
  • Vary their diet

However, if you have prediabetes or diabetes, your random blood sugar levels can vary significantly throughout the day, especially if the disease is not managed well.

Random blood sugar tests are performed outside the normal testing schedule. If you have normal random blood sugar levels, you may not be suffering from diabetes. However, as mentioned earlier, your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. On the other hand, if you have diabetes and your random blood sugar levels are within the acceptable range, your management plan is probably working.

Wide variations in your random blood sugar levels typically suggest the need to change your strategy. It is essential to ensure that your random blood sugar levels are within the normal or acceptable range to avoid the complications caused by consistently high blood sugar levels.

When to test

For people with diabetes, it’s very important to pay attention to the symptoms. If you’re experiencing any signs of low blood sugar, test immediately. Random blood sugar tests can help you detect hyperglycemia and reduce the risk of serious and potentially fatal complications.

If you have diabetes, testing your blood sugar levels at various different times over the course of the day is very important as it can help you manage your condition more effectively and lower the risk of serious diabetes complications.

If random glucose test results indicate that your blood glucose levels are higher than expected, the doctor usually orders follow-up tests to confirm the diagnosis. Follow-up diabetes tests usually include:

Fasting glucose test:

This blood sugar test measures the blood glucose level after staying for at least 8 hours without eating or drinking anything except water. The fasting blood sugar level for a healthy person ranges between 70 mg/dl and 100 mg/dl.  If the fasting glucose level exceeds 125 mg/dl for two consecutive tests, the person might be suffering from diabetes. Fasting glucose tests are usually performed in the morning before you’ve had breakfast.

OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test):

what are normal random blood sugar levels for diabeticsSometimes, people with diabetes can demonstrate normal blood glucose results in the random test or fasting test yet still have diabetes.

If your doctor suspects that you have diabetes, they usually recommend an oral glucose tolerance test which also requires you not to drink or eat for at least 8 hours. After the doctor takes the first blood sample, you’ll drink a glucose solution and then the doctor will take more samples over the next 2 hours.

This test is usually used to evaluate the body’s response to sugar. The present blood sugar level is measured first after which a glucose solution (175 gm glucose) is given to the patient. After this, the blood glucose level should be measured at 30-minute intervals six times. For non-diabetics, the blood sugar level does not rise above 140 mg/dl at any time.

However, a blood glucose level of between 140 mg/dl and 199 mg/dl indicates that the person might be pre-diabetic. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl or more suggests that the person is suffering from full-blown diabetes. The main objective of a glucose tolerance test is to assess the reaction of your body to the sudden influx of glucose.

Glycated Hemoglobin Test:

Although the glycated hemoglobin test is not for the diagnosis of diabetic conditions, this test shows how well the patient has been managing diabetes for the past 3 months. These normal blood sugar levels should always be less than 7%. In case the level is above 7%, it is vital for the doctor to change your treatment plan.

Managing the blood glucose level  (and maintaining normal blood sugar levels) is a vital aspect of controlling various diabetic conditions. Moreover, you can test your blood sugar from anywhere by simply using the correct equipment and paying attention to directions. You should also keep a good record of your test results in order to identify potential problems.

Interpreting random blood sugar test results.

The amount of glucose in your blood is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Normal random blood sugar levels for a person without diabetes should be below 200 mg/dL.

According to one 2015 study, random glucose test results of over 100 mg/dL is a great risk factor for diabetes. A result of 200 mg/dl or more indicates that you may have diabetes. However, the doctor may repeat the random test on another day and recommend a different test for a reliable diagnosis.

Normal random blood sugar levelsHelp yourself to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels!

You know a lot of diseases can be managed and even reversed, by regular exercise, a good healthy eating plan, (monitored carefully by your health care professional), keeping well hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. 

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Top 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar

Hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar, is commonly associated with prediabetes and diabetes. The body regulates blood glucose levels by secreting a hormone called insulin, which allows cells in tissues to use blood sugar for energy. Therefore, insulin is one of the most important regulators of blood sugar levels.

However, several factors can impair the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, heading to hyperglycemia.

Some of the internal factors that may lead to high blood sugar levels include when the body produces too little insulin, when the liver produces too much sugar, or when the body is unable to use insulin effectively (insulin resistance).

External causes include certain medications, stress, dietary choices, and a sedentary lifestyle.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that about 13% of American adults are living with diabetes and another 34% have prediabetes.

Blood sugar management is extremely important for diabetes patients, as consistently high blood glucose levels can lead to a variety of life-threatening complications.

How To Lower My Blood Sugar Naturally

     1.  Regular physical activity

Natural ways to lower blood sugar levelsExercising regularly can help you increase insulin sensitivity and achieve and maintain moderate weight. Increasing insulin sensitivity helps the cells in your muscle and tissue use the available sugar in your bloodstream more effectively. Moreover, exercise can help muscles use blood glucose for muscle contraction and energy.

If you’re having any problems managing your blood glucose levels, be sure to keep track of your levels before and after working out. This will help you understand how your body responds to different activities and help maintain your blood sugar levels within the target range.

Moreover, experts recommend doing regular “exercise snacks” to prevent the problems that may arise as a result of sitting all day. Exercise snacks mean breaking up your sitting routine every 30 to 45 minutes for about 10 minutes throughout the day. You can engage in exercises such as light walking, leg raises, or squats. You can also beat a sedentary lifestyle by doing other useful exercises such as dancing, swimming, hiking, weightlifting, biking, and more.

     2.  Control your carbs intake

Carbs strongly influence blood sugar levels because they are broken down into sugars and used or stored for energy. Therefore, if you have insulin function complications or eat too many carbohydrates, this process can fail, and blood sugar levels can rise.

This is why the ADA (American Diabetes Association) strongly recommends that diabetes patients control their carb intake by consuming the amount recommended by their doctor. Being aware of how many carbs you need helps you in planning meals and further improving blood glucose management.

Studies show that a low-carb diet can help prevent blood sugar spikes by reducing blood sugar levels. However, it is important to keep in mind that no-carb diets and low-carb diets are vastly different.

Have a closer look at the different carb counter apps available HERE!

     3.  Eat more fiber

Research shows that soluble fiber slows carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, thus promoting a gradual increase in blood sugar levels. A high soluble fiber diet improves the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels, which could aid in managing type 1 diabetes.

Some of the foods that are rich in soluble fiber include:

  • Whole grains
  • Fruits
  • Legumes
  • Vegetables

Eating a high-fiber diet has been shown to improve blood glucose management. However, when it comes to blood sugar management, it is essential to keep in mind that soluble fiber has been shown to be more effective compared to insoluble fiber. The recommended intake of fiber is 14 grams per day for every 1,000 calories.

     4.  Stay hydrated

In addition to preventing dehydration, drinking enough water helps keep blood sugar levels within the target range. Moreover, it helps the kidneys get rid of excess glucose through urine. In fact, recent studies show that people who drink more water have a significantly lower risk of developing hyperglycemia.

Water and other non-caffeinated and zero-calorie drinks help lower blood sugar levels, rehydrate the blood and reduce the risk of diabetes. Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks as these have been shown to drive weight gain, raise blood glucose and increase diabetes risk.

     5.  Adhere to portion control

Portion control helps you maintain moderate body weight and control your calorie intake.

Tips for implementing portion control to lower blood sugar levels naturally:

  • Use smaller plates
  • Keep accurate food journals
  • Weigh and measure your portions
  • Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets and restaurants
  • Check serving sizes
  • Read food labels
  • Eat slowly

In addition to promoting healthy blood sugar levels, studies show that weight management also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. It is also important to monitor your serving sizes in order to prevent blood sugar spikes.

     6.  Choose foods with a low GI (glycemic index)

How can I lower blood sugar levels naturallyThe GI (glycemic index) is a measure of how quickly carbs are digested and how fast the body absorbs them. Therefore, the GI affects how rapidly blood sugar levels rise.

Natural ways to lower blood sugar

The GI categorizes foods into high, medium, and low GI by ranking them on a scale of 0 to 100. A ranking of less than 55 is considered low GI.

Both the type and amount of carbs consumed determine how food affects blood glucose levels. Studies show that eating low GI foods helps reduce blood glucose levels, even in people with diabetes.

Foods with a moderate to low GI include:

  • Barley
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Bulgur
  • Unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • Oats
  • Non-starchy vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Whole wheat pasta

Moreover, adding healthy fats or protein to your diet helps reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes after meals.

     7.  Manage your stress levels

Stress has been explicitly shown to affect blood sugar levels. When stressed, the body secrets cortisol and glucagon hormones which cause blood glucose levels to rise. Studies show that relaxation, meditation, and exercise can help reduce stress, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.

Relaxation methods and exercises like yoga may also help improve insulin secretion problems among diabetes patients.

The bottom-line

There are many different natural ways to lower blood sugar. Most of them typically involve making lifestyle changes, such as managing stress levels, sleep quality, weight, staying hydrated and exercising.

However, it is essential to consult your doctor before trying new supplements or making lifestyle changes, especially if you are under medication or are having problems managing your blood sugar.

How do you lower blood sugar naturally

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Does Caffeine Affect Blood Sugar?

Most Americans drink tea, coffee, chocolate, or soda every day, and all these drinks contain caffeine. For healthy individuals, caffeine is usually a harmless stimulant, but studies have shown that caffeine can make it harder for people with type 2 diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels in check.

In simple terms, coffee contains a wide range of compounds, some of which may be beneficial whereas others may have less beneficial effects, such as caffeine which has been shown to impair insulin, particularly in the short term.

Caffeine and blood glucose levels

Studies have shown that high caffeine consumption over 28 weeks impairs insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients.

In addition to establishing a relationship between lower insulin sensitivity and higher coffee consumption, they observed that the transition to consuming more caffeine may produce an emphasized or atypical response by the body.

Despite finding a relationship between lower sensitivity to insulin and higher coffee consumption, the researchers also found that the transition to rapidly increasing coffee intake may have produced an emphasized or atypical response by the body.

Studies show that coffee can help lower risks for conditions such as:

  • Cancer – including aggressive prostate cancer and endometrial cancer
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Strokes
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Cardiovascular disease

Coffee is high in polyphenols, which are molecules with antioxidant properties that have been shown to help in preventing a wide range of inflammatory illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and several types of cancers.

In addition to polyphenols, coffee also contains the minerals chromium and magnesium. A higher intake of magnesium is closely linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

A combination of these nutrients can help improve insulin sensitivity while counteracting the opposite effect of caffeine.

Coffee and diabetes prevention

Does Coffee Raise Blood sugar levelsStudies conducted on the effects of caffeine on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes have indicated a significantly lower risk of coffee drinkers developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-drinkers.

According to a 2009 study that involved 40,000 participants, drinking 3 cups of coffee or tea per day led to a 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Another 2014 study of healthcare specialists showed that increased consumption of coffee resulted in an 11% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly over the next 4 years.

How does decaffeinated coffee affect blood glucose?

Whilst caffeine tends to impact insulin sensitivity, other compounds in coffee have been shown to have the opposite effect. This is the main reason why most diabetes experts recommend decaffeinated coffee as the best option for diabetes patients. Decaffeinated coffee provides the benefits of coffee with very few negative effects associated with caffeine.

Syrups and lattes in coffee

People with diabetes need to approach some coffee varieties with caution. Studies show that coffees with syrup have gained considerable popularity, especially in the 21st century. However, research shows that coffees with syrup could have adverse effects on people at risk of or with diabetes.

Therefore, it is essential for people with diabetes to reduce their exposure to sugar. However, if you are at risk of or have diabetes and still want to enjoy syrup coffee occasionally, it is recommended that you choose smaller-sized cups and consume them slowly to better enjoy the taste without drastically raising your blood sugar levels.

Lattes are also becoming an emerging trend in coffee. These very milky coffees present two primary considerations: the amount of carbohydrate in the latte as well as the number of calories in them.

Although lattes primarily contain skimmed milk, some brands may be sweetened, resulting in a higher number of calories. Keep in mind that milk, whether skimmed or full fat contains an average of 5 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. On the other hand, a regular, unsweetened latte can contain around 10 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams.

How many shots of espresso is too much?

An intake of 200 milligrams or more of caffeine can have an impact on your blood sugar levels. That’s typically the amount in about 3 to 4 cups of black tea or 1 to 2 cups of brewed coffee.

People have different reactions to caffeine, and studies show that some may handle higher or lower amounts of caffeine. Your response typically depends on various factors, including weight and age.

Your average daily caffeine intake may also play a role. Studies show that diabetics patients who consume coffee on a regular basis don’t experience higher blood glucose levels than those who consume lower amounts. Some researchers think that the body gets used to higher amounts of coffee (caffeine) over time. However, other research indicates that coffee could still cause spikes even in people who start their day with caffeine.

The bottom-line

Talk with your dietitian or doctor to find out if coffee raises your blood sugar levels. They may recommend testing your blood glucose levels throughout the morning hours after you’ve taken your daily cup of coffee. You may have to test your blood sugar after skipping your coffee for a few days. A comparison of these results will help determine if coffee has an impact on your blood sugar.

There’s a twist to this story. Studies suggest that high levels of concentration in antioxidants may reduce your risk of having type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the body, which can increase your chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that this might not apply to people who’ve already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This is largely attributable to the fact that caffeine in your cup of coffee makes it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.

If caffeine tends to have this effect on your blood sugar, you may want to consider using decaffeinated coffee. Since this drink only contains a small amount of caffeine, it does not impact your insulin or blood sugar in the same way. You should also note that creamers or sugar in coffee can raise blood glucose levels.

Therefore, the most healthful way for people with diabetes to drink coffee is plain black or with natural alternative sweeteners.

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