Scientists from Karolinska Institutet and other institutions have found that higher levels of caffeine in the body may help reduce body fat and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream rather than being absorbed by cells for energy.
Over time, persistently high blood sugar can damage organs and tissues, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels, increasing the risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure.
The condition is commonly linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy dietary patterns, and is typically managed through a combination of medication, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and several other plants.
It acts on the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. Caffeine is also used in some medications, such as pain relievers, to enhance their effectiveness.
As the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive substance, caffeine is used by millions of people daily to stay awake, improve concentration, and boost energy levels.
The study aimed to investigate whether long-term higher levels of caffeine in the blood influence body weight, body fat, and the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
To do this, the researchers used a method known as two-sample Mendelian randomisation, which analyzes genetic data from large population studies to assess potential causal relationships between exposures—such as caffeine levels—and health outcomes.
The results showed that individuals with genetically predicted higher blood caffeine levels tended to have lower body weight and reduced body fat. They also had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
However, the study did not find strong evidence linking caffeine levels to the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The researchers estimated that approximately 43% of caffeine’s protective effect against type 2 diabetes could be explained by its association with lower body weight. This suggests that caffeine may reduce diabetes risk in part by contributing to weight reduction.
Overall, the findings indicate that higher levels of caffeine in the blood may offer metabolic benefits, particularly in reducing body weight and the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the authors note that further research is needed to better understand the underlying biological mechanisms and to determine whether caffeine could play a role in preventing or managing metabolic diseases.
The study was published in BMJ Medicine and was conducted by Susanna Larsson and colleagues.
