Coffee does not directly raise a person’s blood sugar levels, however, it can have an indirect effect. Coffee does contain small amounts of carbohydrate, usually in the form of milk or creamer, and some people choose to add sugar to their coffee. Depending on the amount of added sugar, this can increase a person’s blood sugar levels. In addition, caffeine in coffee can cause a temporary spike in blood sugar levels.
Caffeine is known to increase the release of the hormones epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and cortisol. These hormones can have a direct effect on blood sugar levels, causing a temporary rise. This effect is usually short-lived and can be offset by eating a low-carbohydrate snack or drinking a glass of water.
It is important to note that coffee itself does not contain a significant amount of carbohydrate or sugar. Therefore, drinking coffee alone should not affect blood sugar levels significantly. However, people who add milk or cream to their coffee need to be aware that these ingredients can contain carbohydrates, and this can contribute to an increase in blood sugar levels. Similarly, those who add sugar to their coffee should also be mindful of the amount being added as this can significantly increase the carbohydrate content.
Overall, drinking coffee itself does not raise blood sugar levels, but added ingredients such as milk, cream, or sugar can contribute to a temporary increase in blood sugar. Therefore, people with diabetes should be mindful of what they add to their coffee and should also monitor their blood sugar levels closely.