Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body is less sensitive to insulin or does not produce enough insulin, leading to prolonged hyperglycemia. Blood sugar control depends on medication, diet, sleep, exercise, and stress control.
Pure, unsweetened black coffee is suitable for diabetics if consumed in moderate amounts. Coffee contains antioxidants such as polyphenols, chlorogenic acid… which help improve glucose metabolism, support insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. People who are used to drinking coffee every day can use small amounts to help stay alert, increase concentration and support physical activity maintenance.
However, coffee containing caffeine can slightly increase blood sugar temporarily, especially when consumed on an empty stomach or consumed too much during the day. Caffeine stimulates the secretion of adrenaline – a hormone that increases blood sugar. Diabetics with comorbidities such as hypertension or arrhythmia need to be cautious because coffee can cause heart palpitations, insomnia or transient increases in blood pressure. You should avoid pre-mixed coffees with a lot of sugar, condensed milk, syrup, cream… because they can increase blood sugar very quickly and cause weight gain.
Diabetics can drink pure black coffee, without sugar. Photos are generated by AI
You should prioritize black coffee without sugar, drink a small cup (80-120 ml) every day. If you are not used to the bitter taste, you can add a little unsweetened fresh milk or unsweetened plant milk, and limit drinking after 3pm to avoid insomnia, which makes blood sugar more difficult to control. You should also avoid drinking coffee when you are hungry and should drink it after a light breakfast to avoid blood sugar fluctuations.
Besides adjusting coffee drinking habits, diabetics need to maintain a healthy diet including slow-absorbing starch (brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes), increase green vegetables, lean protein and low-sugar fruits. Exercising at least 150 minutes a week, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress helps improve insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar better.
You should have regular check-ups at a general internal medicine and nutrition specialist to monitor HbA1c, evaluate your overall health, and adjust your diet accordingly. Supplementing natural essences such as GDL-5 from South American sugarcane pollen with natural policosanol can be added to the diet, contributing to blood fat regulation and supporting the control of cardiovascular complications due to diabetes.