The Role of Caffeine in Diabetes
Although researchers in Japan are saying those who
drink, coffee or green tea can reduce their risk of diabetes;
caffeine remains a concern as a higher risk for diabetes. The study
focused on drinkers of black, green, or oolong tea that were between
the ages of 40 and 65. These researchers are confident that those
who drink at least three or more cups of caffeine each day are able
to reduce their risk of diabetes by 33 percent. However, other
substances in coffee affect the metabolism, and cause other health
problems.
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Most research shows that avoiding caffeine is
the answer to reducing the risks of diabetes. Researchers
from a well-known university medical center found a strong
tie between caffeine intake at a meal, with increased levels
of glucose and insulin among people who have Type 2
diabetes.
Insulin is needed by the cells to convert
glucose into energy. Having caffeine with a meal hinders
the ability to metabolize the meals that are eaten, and
should be avoided. Fasting subjects who took part in this
research saw no significant change in glucose or insulin
levels.
The goal for diabetics is to keep the blood
glucose level down. With eating a healthy diet and getting
the proper exercise, diabetics should also consider cutting
out caffeine. |
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How does caffeine affect our bodies? Diabetes is
the inability to control sugar levels in the blood, either
because of the body not producing enough, or having a hormone
that resists insulin. Laboratory mice are often fed a chemical
called alloxan. Alloxan is used in the mice to poison the cells
that produce insulin and creating the conditions for diabetes.
Scientific literature tells us that
alloxan is produced in our body from caffeine.
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Theories
are that caffeine produces this toxic substance in our
bodies and either causes diabetes, or make existing
diabetes worse.
We Americans love our caffeine, and
consuming beverages with caffeine is at an all-time
high. We may be getting massive doses of alloxan if we
drink large amounts of coffee, tea, or sodas that
contain caffeine.
Why does alloxan hurt our body? A free
radical generator damages our pancreas and can result in
pancreatic cancer. A free radical will cause aging,
diseases, and especially cancer.
Caffeine is popular with most people
today; it gives us the little extra burst of energy we
think we need to get through the morning or the day.
Some people drink large amounts of caffeine during the
day. |
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The cola industry encourages consuming caffeine
and some are targeting the younger market. The 15-21 year old
age group is supporting the high caffeine levels by buying
products that have abnormally high levels of caffeine. Even a
well-known tea company is promoting a high-powered tea with high
amounts of caffeine in it. Some juices and bottled waters have
caffeine added to them.
Caffeine is a contributor to many diseases
including depression, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes. Those
that are at a high risk for developing diabetes should avoid
caffeine. Caffeine is not only found in coffee, tea, and sodas,
but also in chocolate. Even decaffeinated products have a form
of caffeine that produces the deadly alloxan.
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