Caffeine is a substance that is found in coffee beans, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and certain pills. Coffee and caffeine is a stimulant and is consumed by people to improve concentration (mental stimulation), physical strength, and for its fragrance. It is known for its restorative powers. Caffeine acts on the central nervous system and it sensitizes the neurons. It is a psychoactive drug, but it acts by reversibly blocking the adenosine and its effects. It wards off drowsiness and gives a boost of energy; however, over time habitual caffeine intake leads to tolerance and this leads to diminished effects of caffeine and leads to addiction. The properties of keeping sleep away tend to reduce over time due to excess tolerance. Caffeine occurs in more than 60 plants and is bitter in taste. It chemical makeup consists of methylxanthine alkaloid. Caffeine when used judiciously, has medical properties. It has protective abilities against Parkinson’s disease, it acts as a bronchodilator which is useful for patients with asthma, and it can relieve people from headache, sleepiness, and orthostatic hypotension. However, excess amounts of caffeine leads to vasoconstriction leading to rise in blood pressure, acidity, dehydration due to excess urination, anxiety, sleeplessness, addiction, and risk of certain diseases. People with diabetes tend to have short term increase in their blood sugar levels with the consumption of caffeine. Excess caffeine consumption leads to impaired insulin sensitivity. However, mild consumption is related to lesser risk of inflammation-related diseases in type 2 diabetes. People who consume coffee moderately (who do not have diabetes) are actually at a lesser risk of developing type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes should opt for decaffeinated coffee.
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