Caffeine and Diabetes

"Caffeine is associated with a reduction in nocturnal hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes, according to the results of a double-blinded, randomized study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.

"Hypoglycemia and the fear of low blood glucose levels remain rate limiting factors in achieving normoglycemia for patients with type 1 diabetes," write Tristan Richardson, MRCP, from Royal Bournemouth Hospital, U.K, and colleagues. "Previously, we have shown that ingestion of moderate amounts of caffeine also may be useful by augmenting the symptomatic and hormonal responses to mild hypoglycemia, allowing appropriate action to be taken before neuroglycopenia ensues. The benefits of regular caffeine ingestion in patients with type 1 diabetes may extend beyond its influence on hypoglycemia warning symptoms." "

Seen at Medscape.com.