Caffeine, Glucose Metabolism, and Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious public health problem. A growing body of evidence suggests that consumption of caffeine leads to disruptions of glucose metabolism that could be of concern for both the development of T2DM and its clinical management. At least 17 studies have consistently demonstrated that caffeine administration in healthy, nondiabetic adults produces an acute increase in insulin resistance or impairment of glucose tolerance, an effect that could contribute to T2DM disease progression in susceptible individuals. Studies of coffee drinkers who have T2DM have found that caffeine exaggerates the rise in glucose after carbohydrate ingestion, an effect that could contribute to higher chronic glucose levels and impaired clinical control. The results of these well-controlled experimental studies contradict epidemiological studies that find that heavy coffee drinking is associated with a lower risk of T2DM. Although it is premature to recommend caffeine abstinence for patients with T2DM and for those at risk, the evidence is sufficient to warrant further study of caffeine's effects, including clinical trials of the potential benefits of eliminating caffeine from the diet.

Can inactivators of plasminogen activator inhibitor alleviate the burden of obesity and diabetes? (Review)

“…Both the AHR and CYP1A2 genes are plausible candidates as CYP1A2 metabolizes caffeine and AHR regulates CYP1A2. Lane (61) further elaborated this phenomenon. He found that moderate coffee intake increases glucose level, while heavy drinkers that consume 5-7 cups a day can reduce risk of development of type 2 diabetes to 50%.…”

Caffeine Consumption through Coffee: Content in the Beverage, Metabolism, Health Benefits and Risks

“…It was concluded that caffeine can antagonize the beneficial effects of decaffeinated coffee. Most evidence, in fact, indicates that caffeine alone promotes adverse effects on glucose metabolism [366][367][368] and reduces insulin sensitivity [364,369]. The intake of about 500 mg/day by usual coffee drinkers was associated with higher average daytime glucose concentrations and exaggerated post-prandial glucose responses in diabetic patients [366].…”

Acute effects of brewed cocoa consumption on attention, motivation to perform cognitive work and feelings of anxiety, energy and fatigue: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover experiment

“…Both caffeine and dietary flavonoids can impair glucose regulation [60,61]; consequently, improvements in blood flow may have been opposed by alterations in glucose regulation. Also, the methylxanine treatments may have stimulated the release of neurotransmitters or neuromodulators.…”