Sorry to break it to you “empty-calorie” sippers but just a lil’ something to swallow: according to a U.S. study conducted by scientists at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. the caffeine in coffee, tea and soft drinks increases blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes and may undermine disease control.
This study measured participants’ glucose(sugar) levels on a constant basis throughout the day and for the first time tracked the impact of caffeine consumption as patients go about their normal, everyday lives.
Lead author Dr. James Lane, a psychologist, studied 10 patients with established type 2 diabetes who drank at least two cups of coffee every day and who were trying to manage their disease through diet, exercise and oral medications. They were given no extra insulin.
Each of the study subjects had a tiny glucose monitor embedded under their abdominal skin that continuously monitored their glucose levels over a 72-hour period, Lane said.
This study, which was published in the February issue of Diabetes Care, found that when the participants consumed caffeine, their average daily sugar levels went up 8 percent. In addition, caffeine also exaggerated the rise in glucose after meals: increasing by 9 percent after breakfast, 15 percent after lunch and 26 percent after dinner.
So as you can see, all of these liquids, while they liven up the taste buds not only serve no nutritional purpose, they are now proven to be detrimental to diabetics(and those looking for weight loss). Water continues to be one of the best drinks that a person can consume due to its ability to satisfy the true needs of our bodies. Everything from consistent, permanent weight loss and optimum kidney function to keeping the body cooler are by-products of proper water intake.
Understandably, not everyone likes water, but consider this: Your lungs expel between two and four cups of water each day through normal breathing – even more on a cold day. If your feet sweat, there goes another cup of water. If you make half a dozen trips to the bathroom during the day, that’s six cups of water. If you perspire, you expel about two cups of water (which doesn’t include exercise-induced perspiration). A good test is to look at your urine. If it’s clear or pale yellow, you’re doing a good job of staying hydrated. If it’s intense yellow or gold,though, you probably need to drink more water. As I have mentioned to many of you already, a good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you are 150 lbs, you should be consuming atleast 75 ounces(and probably a little more during exercise).
Diluted fruit juices, non-fat or skim milk, and diet sodas usually are considered better alternatives but please take into account how much sugar is in the drink. Sugar slows down the rate at which fluid is absorbed into the body. If you have trouble drinking water because you don’t like the taste, try adding a twist of lemon or lime or a splash of fruit juice. A little good news though: many foods are also good sources of water. Juicy fruits like oranges, grapefruit, grapes, watermelon and apples can help keep you healthy and hydrated. Carrots, tomatoes, tuna, yogurt, cottage cheese, soups, rice and pasta also contain plenty of water.
Don’t waste your calories on crap…. it goes right down the drain.
Nice article! I know I haven’t been drinking enough, saw this article and thought it might help in knowing why I need to drink more! Thanks!