Coffee and Diabetes: Is Drinking Coffee Beneficial or Harmful?

Based on reputable research from Harvard, BMJ, WHO, and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), this article will help you understand the relationship between coffee and diabetes – so you can continue enjoying your daily cup of coffee safely, scientifically, and deliciously.

Is Coffee Beneficial or Harmful for People with Diabetes?

• Beneficial when consumed in the right type and appropriate amounts
• Can be harmful if caffeine is overused or sugar/cream are added

Research Results from Harvard Medical School

According to research from Harvard School of Public Health (2023), people with type 2 diabetes who drink coffee regularly have a 26% lower risk of premature death compared to non-coffee drinkers.

This study surveyed over 15,500 patients over 18 years, comparing the effects of various popular beverages (coffee, tea, milk, sugary drinks). Results:

The study analyzed the dietary habits of nearly 15,500 adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The average age of the group was 61, with 75% being women.

Does Drinking Coffee Raise Blood Sugar in Diabetes Patients?

It can – depending on caffeine dosage and individual constitution. Coffee contains many compounds that have opposing effects on people with diabetes:

• Benefits: Polyphenols, magnesium, and chromium in coffee help increase insulin sensitivity, provide antioxidant effects, and support blood sugar control.
• Risks: Caffeine can temporarily reduce insulin sensitivity, especially when consumed in large amounts or on an empty stomach.

Recommendations for diabetes patients drinking coffee:

• Monitor your individual blood sugar response after each coffee consumption
• Don’t exceed 250mg of caffeine per day (~2-3 small cups)
• Prioritize decaffeinated coffee if you’re prone to blood sugar spikes
• Avoid adding sugar, milk, or cream when brewing
• Even artificial sweeteners can become extremely dangerous “culprits” if overused for coffee preparation over long periods
• Research has shown that drinking black coffee specifically helps control blood sugar increases in people with the disease

What Type of Coffee Should People with Diabetes Drink?

People with diabetes should choose black coffee without sugar – especially decaffeinated coffee or specialty coffee with clear origins and moderate caffeine content.

Why is decaf coffee a good choice?

Caffeine is an active compound that can reduce insulin sensitivity in the body – an important factor for people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, decaf coffee (with at least 97% of caffeine removed) is considered a safe solution, allowing patients to enjoy coffee without increasing the risk of losing blood sugar control.

Specialty Coffee: Premium – Safe – Transparent Choice

For diabetes patients who love distinctive flavor experiences, specialty coffee is an even more perfect choice. Not only does it meet high quality standards (above 80 SCA points), this type of coffee also has clear traceability, clean processing, no artificial additives, and higher antioxidant content than regular commercial coffee.

Advantages of using specialty coffee:

• Reduces the need to add sugar or milk thanks to naturally clean, balanced flavors
• Easy to control caffeine content if choosing light roast varieties

Besides choosing the right type of coffee, diabetes patients should also pay attention to some brewing principles:

• Prioritize brewing with traditional drip methods or pour-over machines to control the amount of coffee and water
• If you want to enhance flavor, you can add a little cinnamon powder, dried orange peel, or a few drops of apple cider vinegar

The flavor of specialty coffee is usually more diverse, pleasant, and complex, requiring no additional sugar or fats.

Can Coffee Help Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Healthy People?

Yes. Many studies have confirmed that regular coffee consumption can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in people without a history of the disease.

A study at the University of California (UCLA) showed: people who drink at least 4 cups of coffee per day have a 56% lower risk of diabetes due to increased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the blood – a factor closely related to reduced diabetes risk. The study particularly showed that women tend to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes more than men when incorporating coffee into their diet.

Why Should Overweight People and Diabetics Drink Coffee?

Coffee can help control weight and improve insulin sensitivity in overweight people or those with type 2 diabetes. This is an important conclusion from research published in BMJ Medicine in 2023, conducted by several leading European universities.

How does coffee affect overweight people and diabetics?

• Caffeine promotes metabolism, helping burn calories more effectively
• Reduces appetite cravings, thereby supporting weight loss – a key factor in blood sugar control
• Increases insulin sensitivity and reduces insulin resistance – core factors in reducing type 2 diabetes risk

Notably, people with high blood caffeine levels (due to slow coffee metabolism) tend to have lower BMI and less diabetes risk – according to Mendelian randomization genetic research methods from over 10,000 participants.

Dietary Considerations for People with Type 2 Diabetes

Diet plays a crucial role in managing type 2 diabetes. Choosing appropriate foods not only helps stabilize blood sugar but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications, obesity, and other health issues.

Foods to Include

• Whole grains, legumes, brown rice, steamed or boiled vegetables
• Fish, lean meat, skinless poultry – prepared by steaming, boiling, or light stir-frying
• Fresh fruits, raw or steamed/boiled vegetables
• Healthy plant oils like olive oil, soybean oil, fish oil, sesame oil

Nutritional Balance:

• Protein: 15-20%
• Lipids (healthy fats): 25-30%
• Carbohydrates (good starches): 50-60% of total energy

Foods to Limit

• White rice, white bread, rice noodles, glass noodles, baked potatoes
• Saturated fats: animal fat, chicken skin, cream, coconut oil
• Refined sugar: cakes, candies, soft drinks, syrups
• Canned seasonings, fast food, dried fruits with added sugar

Patients should maintain regular meal times, check blood sugar periodically, and combine gentle daily exercise to enhance disease control effectiveness.

Conclusion

Coffee, when used correctly, can become a positive part of a healthy lifestyle for people with type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that drinking coffee in moderation, choosing appropriate types like decaf or pure specialty coffee, along with proper diet and lifestyle, can help reduce complication risks and improve quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should everyone with diabetes drink coffee?

Not necessarily. Coffee’s impact varies from person to person. Try small amounts first, monitor your body’s response, especially blood sugar levels after drinking.

2. Is decaf coffee better than regular coffee for people with diabetes?

In many cases, yes. Decaf coffee helps reduce caffeine’s impact on insulin sensitivity while retaining beneficial antioxidants.

3. Should diabetes patients drink machine-brewed coffee with sugar-free milk?

It’s best to use black coffee without sugar or milk. If using milk, choose low-fat, sugar-free varieties in small amounts. Prioritize pure roasted coffee without additives, brewed using methods that control water amount and temperature like drip or pour-over.

4. Should healthy people drink coffee to prevent diabetes?

Some studies show coffee may help reduce type 2 diabetes risk in healthy people, but only when consumed in moderation without added sugar or heavy cream.

5. Is coffee a “cure” for diabetes?

No. Coffee is not medicine and doesn’t replace medical treatment protocols. It’s only a supportive part of a healthy lifestyle when used correctly.