Diabetes is a disease that has long plagued patients around the world; yet despite the history and prevalence of the condition, it continues to mystify doctors, researchers and patients. One mystery is the correlation between diabetes and caffeine.

In Japan, researchers have claimed that those who take caffeine in the form of coffee or green tea may reduce the risk of diabetes. Medical experts, on the other hand, now claim that caffeine can pose a higher risk for diabetes. A study conducted on participants aged 40 to 65 who drank black, green and oolong teas showed that drinking at least three or more cups of these caffeinated beverages each day could result in a 33 percent reduction in their risk of diabetes. Other substances in coffee, however, can have negative effects on the body's metabolism, creating other health problems. Modern research suggests that it's advisable to avoid caffeine in order to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Research conducted at a respected university medical centre suggested that drinking caffeine with meals would result in an increase in insulin and glucose levels in participants with Type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a naturally-occurring component in the body that converts glucose into energy. A person with diabetes who drinks caffeine with a meal may suffer from a hindered metabolism. Participants who fasted during the study showed no significant changes in their insulin or glucose levels.

The goal for diabetics is to keep their blood glucose levels down. Healthy diet and exercise are important ways to control glucose levels, but caffeine elimination is also a very important consideration.

Caffeine has a direct negative effect on insulin levels. As you know, diabetes is the inability to control sugar levels in the blood. In some cases, the body doesn't produce enough insulin. In other cases, the body produces a hormone that resists insulin.

Caffeine also creates a chemical called alloxan. This free radical generator is a known cause of diabetes, aging and other diseases. Alloxan not only poisons important insulin-creating cells, but also causes damage to the pancreas and may ultimately lead to pancreatic cancer. When we drink caffeine we are allowing our bodies to create more alloxan, increasing the risk or developing diabetes or making an existing condition worse.

Even though the consumption of caffeine can contribute to many health concerns and diseases, people around the world continue to thrive on it. Caffeine is present in tea, coffee, soft drinks, chocolate and many diet and energy supplements. People who drink several cups of coffee, tea or soft drinks on a daily basis are taking in massive doses of harmful alloxan. Even decaffeinated beverages contain some caffeine and, therefore, certain levels of alloxan. Everyone should limit their caffeine intakes, particularly those at risk of, or suffering from, diabetes.

Traditionally, caffeine intake was a concern only for older patients. Unfortunately, young adults and even teenagers are at risk of consuming too much caffeine. Soft drink companies are now marketing "power drinks" to these young consumers. This rather sad "energy drink" craze has resulted in some juices and bottled waters with added caffeine, as well as high-powered teas sold by respected tea manufacturers.

Anyone interested in reducing the risk of developing diabetes, controlling an existing condition or simply living a healthier lifestyle must take steps to reduce or eliminate caffeine intake.

About the Author:
Phillip Blunzon is a regular contributor to a variety of well-known web sites, on health news and heart health issues.Get a unique version of this article from our diabetes article directory