Most people start their day with a cup of piping-hot coffee. But did you know caffeine can impact your glucose level, causing it to spike or drop? Coffee increases glucose and insulin levels by triggering cortisol, the stress hormone. Further, milk contains lactose, a natural sugar. Thus, consuming coffee with milk can spike your glucose levels.
How to optimise your coffee intake
• Try having decaffeinated coffee, and monitor the changes in your glucose level.
• Try consuming coffee without milk. This may help you identify the reason for the spike in your glucose levels.
• Try using alternatives like coconut, flax, or almond milk, which have a lower glycemic index than cow’s milk.
• Avoid drinking coffee with skimmed milk. Skimmed milk lacks fat and has a higher ratio of carbohydrates and proteins to fat. Thus, it is easier to digest and can lead to a spike in your glucose levels.
• Drink your coffee 3-4 hours after waking up, allowing your body to wake up completely before you consume coffee.
Caffeine has been suggested to reduce insulin sensitivity. This could result in insufficient absorption of sugar from the bloodstream and may cause a surge in blood sugar levels, particularly after eating. Additionally, caffeine has a stimulating effect that may prevent you from falling asleep, which could also decrease insulin sensitivity. However, moderate caffeine consumption has notable advantages. It can enhance your cognitive function, increase your metabolism, and improve your mood. Therefore, learning how to regulate your coffee intake is crucial to enjoy its benefits to the fullest.
