Although researchers in Japan are saying those who drink, coffee or green
tea can reduce their risk of diabetes; caffeine remains a concern as a higher
risk for diabetes. The study focused on drinkers of black, green, or oolong
tea that were between the ages of 40 and 65. These researchers are confident
that those who drink at least three or more cups of caffeine each day are able
to reduce their risk of diabetes by 33 percent. However, other substances in
coffee affect the metabolism, and cause other health problems.

Most research shows that avoiding caffeine is the answer to reducing the risks
of diabetes. Researchers from a well-known university medical center found
a strong tie between caffeine intake at a meal, with increased levels of glucose
and insulin among people who have Type 2 diabetes.

Insulin is needed by the cells to convert glucose into energy. Having caffeine
with a meal hinders the ability to metabolize the meals that are eaten, and
should be avoided. Fasting subjects who took part in this research saw no significant
change in glucose or insulin levels.

The goal for diabetics is to keep the blood glucose level down. With eating
a healthy diet and getting the proper exercise, diabetics should also consider
cutting out caffeine.

How does caffeine affect our bodies? Diabetes is the inability to control
sugar levels in the blood, either because of the body not producing enough,
or having a hormone that resists insulin. Laboratory mice are often fed a chemical
called alloxan. Alloxan is used in the mice to poison the cells that produce
insulin and creating the conditions for diabetes. Scientific literature tells
us that alloxan is produced in our body from caffeine. Theories are that caffeine
produces this toxic substance in our bodies and either causes diabetes, or
make existing diabetes worse.

We Americans love our caffeine, and consuming beverages with caffeine is at
an all-time high. We may be getting massive doses of alloxan if we drink large
amounts of coffee, tea, or sodas that contain caffeine.

Why does alloxan hurt our body? A free radical generator damages our pancreas
and can result in pancreatic cancer. A free radical will cause aging, diseases,
and especially cancer.

Caffeine is popular with most people today; it gives us the little extra burst
of energy we think we need to get through the morning or the day. Some people
drink large amounts of caffeine during the day. The cola industry encourages
consuming caffeine and some are targeting the younger market. The 15-21 year
old age group is supporting the high caffeine levels by buying products that
have abnormally high levels of caffeine. Even a well-known tea company is promoting
a high-powered tea with high amounts of caffeine in it. Some juices and bottled
waters have caffeine added to them.

Caffeine is a contributor to many diseases including depression, pancreatic cancer,
and diabetes. Those that are at a high risk for developing diabetes should avoid
caffeine. Caffeine is not only found in coffee, tea, and sodas, but also in chocolate.
Even decaffeinated products have a form of caffeine that produces the deadly
alloxan.