What are the effects of energy drinks

 on blood sugar level?

Energy drinks are becoming more and more popular among physically active people that need a good source of energy during their activities. But are they safe for diabetic people? We will demonstrate in this article the effects of energy drinks on on blood sugar level among diabetics, the dangers related to energy drinks and some diabetic friendly alternatives to energy drinks.

First of all, one of the major components of most energy drinks is caffeine. Caffeine is very dangerous to diabetic people. A research conducted on ten diabetics revealed that glucose levels rose by 8 percent when participants took pills filled with the level of caffeine found in four cups of coffee. Another effect caffeine has on the system is that it increases the level of insulin tolerance of blood cells making it harder for the insulin to break down the glucose in the blood thus resulting in a build up and subsequent rise in blood level.

Besides caffeine, energy drinks are full of refined sugars and carbs. Refined sugars are the 1# enemy of every diabetic. They have an almost immediate effect on the blood sugar level and do not provide energy over a long period of time. This is why people who drink heavily sweetened drinks may feel thirsty right after they consume them. Carbs are also very harmful to diabetics and should be avoided at any cost.

So what are the best alternatives for diabetics who still need a good source of energy and hydration? Well a Minority Business Enterprise by the name of Hip Hop Beverage Corporation just released an ADA approved sugar free energy drink called Pit Bull sugar free energy drink, the first of its kind to receive such certification. Pit Bull sugar free energy drink contains no calories, carbs or sugar per portion, making it a perfect choice for any diabetic. More and more companies are becoming aware of the huge demographic diabetic people represent and try to do their best to make their products diabetic friendly, but none of them have been approved by the ADA or any other healthcare association as safe for diabetics.

If I was to give you only one piece of advice, it would be to stay away from energy drinks by all means if you are diabetic, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Most energy drinks just have to much harmful ingredients in their composition and can be very dangerous to diabetics.