Caffeinated energy drinks – even when sugar free – cause blood glucose and insulin levels to spike, a study in healthy adolescents shows.
Results from the study presented at the World Diabetes Congress in Vancouver this week found that teens who drank caffeine-containing energy drinks had a 20-30% increase in insulin and glucose levels.
Since caffeine persists in the system for 4-6 hours after consumption caffeine-containing energy drinks could affect glucose regulation for hours after ingestion, the authors said.
Elevated glucose and insulin responses may contribute to increased metabolic risk including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in susceptible individuals later in life, the authors concluded.