Just 200 mg of caffeine can affect blood sugar. That’s about 1 to 2 cups of brewed coffee or 3 to 4 cups of black tea.
The body may be able to handle some of the caffeine. The response to the drug varies from individual to individual, depending on age and weight.
The frequency of caffeine intake also plays a role. But people with diabetes who consumed coffee regularly did not have higher blood glucose levels than those who did not consume coffee regularly. Some experts believe that over time, the body adapts to caffeine. However, other studies have shown that caffeine can still trigger a rise in blood sugar even when only 1 cup of coffee is consumed per day.
To find out if caffeine raises blood sugar, talk to your doctor or dietitian. You can monitor your blood glucose throughout the morning after drinking a cup of coffee or tea, and continue monitoring for several days. When comparing the test results, you will know if caffeine is having an effect on your blood sugar.