Blogging Diabetes

Background

So last week there were a few things that happened that got me to think of this post. I listened to a Sweet Talk podcast (www.sweettalk.org) and heard Mike mention that caffeine can increase blood sugar levels. When I sent the group an email asking for more information, Jill and Landileigh responded with some citations from a book on diabetes. A few things immediately came to mind:

I have had diabetes for 10 years and not once have I heard anything about caffeine affecting my blood sugar
Many diabetics I know drink a lot of diet soda, like myself – why hasn’t anyone said anything
My Endocrinologist never asked me or mentioned this
Is this a scientific fact or just an unproven assumption
How much can a no calorie, no carbohydrate drink raise your blood sugar (my crutch is Sugar Free energy drinks and Diet Mountain Dew)

This is a topic I am going to continue to watch and study.

Switching Gears

OK, that really got me thinking about what other information is there in books that I may be missing out on. If this information about caffeine is correct, I could have used it about 10 years ago. Also, my hunch is that there are others that may not know about the caffeine kicker. Now, on to the fun stuff!

How to Enter Giveaway

You have two opportunities to enter this giveaway:

Follow me on Twitter by clicking here. Also, you need to respond to a question I posted last week that asked: What do you think is the best book on diabetes or related to diabetes. Completing this step will earn you 1 of 2 possible entries into the giveaway.
Comment on this blog post and answer these question(s): 1) Have you heard about caffeine raising blood sugar levels? 2) What do you think is the best book or reference on diabetes or related to diabetes? If you already gave me this answer via Twitter, then just answer the first question. Completing this step will earn you the second entry into this giveaway and will double your chance to win.

That’s it. Easy, fun and you could win something!

Deadline

Comments on this post and messages via Twitter are due by midnight EST on Thursday, March 5th.

What You Win

The winner will receive a $20 gift certificate to Amazon. The winner will only need to provide me with a valid email address to receive the gift certificate. One random person will be drawn from a list of responses on Twitter and on this post. In an upcoming post, I will reveal the list of books from this giveaway. Also, the winner has the option to be featured in a dedicated blog post here on Blogging Diabetes.

Goals of This Giveaway

Provide the readers with a list of the best diabetes books mostly recommended by people with diabetes
Gain insights about caffeine affecting blood sugar levels
Give someone the opportunity to buy a book that could help save a life

Thank you for being a part of this and helping the diabetic community! Stay tuned for upcoming posts on: the list of books, the winner and featured post.

Additional Reading about Caffeine and Diabetes

WebMD – Caffeine

Diabetes Care Study

New York Times Article

CBS News

ADA

Canadian Pharmacy

10 Comments

karen hoffman Said,

March 3rd, 2009 @10:22 am

I only have to contribute on the caffeine question! I’d never heard that caffeine itself causes it, but was astonished to learn (from my diabetes educator) that coffee causes a major spike. For years I’d thought I just put too much creamer in! Now, one little unit of Humalog with “breakfast” and I’m good to go.

I’ve heard tea does it too, but am wickedly curious about diet soda. That would be sad…

rainbow_goddess Said,

March 3rd, 2009 @2:21 pm

I first heard about caffeine affecting blood sugar levels when I started drinking TaB energy drinks. Even though they were sugar-free, I noticed a spike in my blood sugar levels. I asked around on the various diabetes forums I belonged to, and found that many people had noticed the same effect from large amounts of caffeine.

As for good diabetes books, I like Diabetes for Dummies.

Rachel Said,

March 3rd, 2009 @2:29 pm

I never heard anything about caffeine affecting blood sugar but then again, it’s not something that we need to worry about…. as of yet Great idea by the way!

landileigh Said,

March 3rd, 2009 @10:53 pm

soooooooo, since i already gave you all the info you asked for on Twitter (inquiring minds always want to know) am i entered??? hunh? am i? am i Tony?

Karen Said,

March 4th, 2009 @8:24 am

For 28 + years I hadn’t heard a thing about caffeine spiking my blood sugar – until I went in for pump training last April. The CDE mentioned it, and I started watching what was happening after my morning coffee. Sure enough, I was spiking. I now take 1 unit to cover my (big) cup of morning coffee.

I already follow you on Twitter, but I hadn’t answered the book question. I guess for me, since I started pumping, Pumping Insulin is my favorite book.

Tony Said,

March 4th, 2009 @9:50 pm

Thank you all for your responses so far. It’s interesting that the feedback I have received is really mixed. About half have heard that caffeine can affect blood sugars and half know nothing about it.

@Karen H – It’s really hard to know that the spikes are due to caffeine when all along we’ve been told to count carbs. Most drinks that diabetics drink with caffeine are diet and have zero carbs.

@Rainbow – I may have to do my own study to drink caffeine while fasting to see how my blood sugars react.

@Rachel – Thanks for the feedback. It’s all good information to arm yourself for the future. I would rather be prepared then caught off guard.

@Landileigh – I may…. have…..lost your responses. Is it one or two?? My mind isn’t what it use to be.

@Karen – Thanks for sharing and the tip. I am going to have to try testing before and after my Sugar Free Monster drink to see how much it elevates it. Maybe this is the answer I’ve been looking for to gain better control. Or, maybe it’s time to cut back on the caffeine and pick up some water.

Thanks again everyone!

Kathy Said,

March 8th, 2009 @8:53 am

Great job Tony….I enjoy reading all your information on diabetes – helps to educate! Also, love the vlogs – buts a real person with a face & makes you feel comfortable with who ever you are talking to and trying to help. Have a great day!