Experimental Studies of the Effects of Caffeine on Glucose Regulation

Pilot results suggest that caffeine, the most commonly used drug in the world, may interfere with postprandial glucose metabolism by increasing insulin resistance and/or by stimulating hepatic glucose production. This effect could have serious clinical implications for coffee drinkers who have type 2 diabetes. Early results suggest caffeine exaggerates the postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia present in these patients.

The experimental (non-treatment) studies in this project include double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over laboratory tests of glucose tolerance in groups of type 2 diabetic patients and prediabetic volunteers who are coffee drinkers.

The lab studies test the hypothesis that caffeine (vs. placebo) increases postprandial insulin responses and results in a potentiation of glucose responses in the type 2 group.

An ambulatory study examines the effects of caffeine administration on glucose levels during everyday activities in the natural environment. This study uses a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design. Ambulatory glucose data are collected with a MiniMed CGMS sensor and recorder worn for 72 hours. Caffeine and placebo are administered on separate days. Average glucose levels and glucose responses to meals are compared across treatment days within subjects.

Inclusion criteria

• 6 months or longer history of type 2 diabetes
• treatment by diet, exercise, or oral medication
• current daily consumption of 2 or more cups of coffee
• BMI >21kg/M2 and < 45kg/M2

Exclusion criteria

• Required use of insulin
• Current cigarette smoking
• Current use of medications that impact glucose metabolism
• Pregnancy
• Other major medical disorders