Creamy sugar coffee can raise blood sugar
Coffee is a familiar drink every morning for many people. However, adding cream and sugar to coffee can cause blood sugar levels to be higher than regular black coffee.
According to the article by nutritionist Brittany Lubeck - Master of Clinical Nutrition, registered nutritionist in the US, sugar is the factor that increases blood sugar fastest in a cup of coffee. Sugar (sucrose) when entering the body will be quickly absorbed during digestion and go straight into the blood, causing blood sugar levels to spike in a short time.
Even substitute sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup or stevia can affect blood sugar if used in large quantities or for a long time. The level of impact, although lower than refined sugar, still needs to be controlled.
In addition to sugar, milk or cream components also contribute to increasing blood sugar levels. Cow's milk and cream contain lactose, a natural sugar that can increase blood sugar. However, the fat in whole milk can slow down sugar absorption, thereby helping to limit sudden spikes.
Some creams not made from cow's milk even contain added sugar or carbohydrates, making the risk of high blood sugar higher.
Caffeine can also affect blood sugar
Not only sugar and cream, black coffee itself can also affect blood sugar due to its caffeine content.
According to Dr. Rob van Dam - professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, caffeine can affect the body's response to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, this effect usually only lasts for a short time.
Experts recommend that adults limit their caffeine intake to about 400 ml per day, equivalent to about four small cups of coffee.
To limit the risk of high blood sugar, users should drink coffee during or after meals instead of drinking on an empty stomach. Combining coffee with foods rich in protein and healthy fats can slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
In addition, people with diabetes should monitor blood sugar after drinking coffee to recognize abnormal fluctuations. Low-calorie ice creams or substitute sweeteners can help reduce the impact on blood sugar, but still need to be used in moderation.
