A new study shows that drinking coffee first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Why, you might ask. Coffee on an empty stomach dramatically increases your insulin levels, by as much as 50%, which over time causes metabolic damage leading to glucose intolerance. So, when you wake a little bleary-eyed or needing a boost to start your day, eat a healthy snack or meal before your first cup of coffee. And no, adding cream or sweeteners to coffee doesn’t count.
Harry Smith, et al. “Glucose control upon waking is unaffected by hourly sleep fragmentation during the night, but is impaired by morning caffeinated coffee.” BrJNutr,2020;124:1114-20
