Caffeine & the Pancreas
Most people are not aware of the importance of the pancreas until something goes wrong with it, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The pancreas is a vital organ that plays a role in the digestion of food and the regulation of blood sugar.
Most people are not aware of the importance of the pancreas until something goes wrong with it, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The pancreas is a vital organ that plays a role in the digestion of food and the regulation of blood sugar. If your pancreas cannot function properly because of pancreatitis or diabetes, you may need to limit your caffeine intake.
Caffeine
Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and may help relieve short-term drowsiness. It is also a diuretic. Your body does not store caffeine, and it leaves the body several hours after it is consumed. Consuming too much caffeine may decrease bone density and increase fibrocystic disease in women. However, moderate amounts of caffeine are considered safe. The caffeine in three 8-ounce cups of coffee or five caffeinated soft drinks is considered a moderate amount.
Pancreatic Function
The pancreas is a gland made up of two parts, exocrine and endocrine. The exocrine system of the pancreas makes and secretes enzymes into your digestive system to help you digest the food you eat. Pancreatitis is a medical condition that affects the exocrine system of your pancreas, causing pain and maldigestion. The endocrine system makes and secretes hormones into your bloodstream, including insulin and glucagon, to help regulate blood sugar. A problem with the endocrine system can lead to diabetes.
Caffeine and Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, the inflammation of your pancreas, can be acute or chronic. Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis, and alcohol abuse is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis. While the condition can sometimes resolve on its own, making changes to your diet can help improve pancreatic function and symptoms. Both the University of Maryland Medical Center, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders recommend limiting your intake of caffeine as a method of treatment for pancreatitis.
Caffeine and Insulin
Caffeine affects insulin sensitivity, which may protect you from developing Type 2 diabetes, but if you already have diabetes it can cause a rise in blood glucose. A 2011 cross-sectional study published in "Diabetalogia" investigated the effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on insulin sensitivity in a group of non-diabetics. The study showed a positive relationship between caffeine and insulin sensitivity. A 2004 study published in the "Journal of Nutrition" tested the effects of caffeine on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar in a group of men with Type 2 diabetes. This study found that while caffeine increased blood insulin levels, it did not improve blood sugars. In fact, blood sugars were elevated following the ingestion of caffeine.