Does caffeine affect blood sugar? /diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/blood-sugar/faq-20057941 You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Last medically reviewed on November 22, 2017 You may not have an issue with the shot the first time you drink one, but it may cause a problem some point in the future. Your doctor can also help you understand what you should do in the event these shots do affect your blood sugar level and you become ill. They can also help you get to the root of why you feel you need an increase in energy in the first place. The two of you can talk about the possible complications and side effects, and you can weigh those against your desire to experience a boost from caffeine. It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor or dietitian before you use any energy drinks. However, the high quantity of caffeine or the artificial sweeteners may be too much for you. For some people with diabetes, 5-Hour Energy drinks can be consumed occasionally with zero unintended side effects or problems. Be sure to confirm with your pharmacist that the shot is safe to take with your medications.Įvery person responds to caffeine and artificial sweeteners differently.

While unlikely, it’s possible these ingredients could interact with medications you’re taking. The 5-Hour Energy shot contains a variety of additional B vitamins and amino acids, such as B-12 and taurine. Side effects include:Ī citrus-flavored, decaffeinated version of the shot is available as well. Consuming large quantities of caffeine in a short period of time may lead to a caffeine overdose. If you have diabetes, one to two cups of coffee may be all that’s necessary to cause a problem with your blood insulin levels.ĭrinking too much caffeine may cause other problems as well, since it stimulates the nervous system. The high caffeine content of 5-Hour Energy shots might also cause blood sugar problems.Ī 2017 review reported that five out of seven studies suggested people with diabetes who consumed caffeine had higher and longer blood sugar spikes.Īccording to their website, 5-Hour Energy shots contain “as much caffeine as a cup of the leading premium coffee.” Caffeine content in a cup of coffee can fluctuate, however, based on the brand, brew time, and number of scoops. Sugar isn’t the only concern for people with diabetes. This research, though limited, suggests that sugar-free foods may not be suitable for people who need to closely monitor and care for their blood sugar levels. The bacteria induce glucose intolerance in both people with and without diabetes. The artificial sweeteners may alter a person’s gut bacteria over time. Recent research, however, calls that assumption into question.Ī 2014 study published in Nature found that artificial sweeteners might actually increase blood sugar problems. It was thought that sugar-free items didn’t have the same effect on blood sugar because they contain artificial sweeteners. Learn more about the relationship between eating and blood sugar. When a person with diabetes eats something with simple sugars, on the other hand, their blood sugar level increases and doesn’t decrease as it should. When a person who doesn’t have diabetes eats something with simple sugars, blood sugar levels increase and then level off slowly and evenly within two hours. This is because they don’t affect blood sugar the way traditional sugar sources do.

The problem with artificial sweetenersįor decades, “sugar-free” items were promoted to people with metabolic syndrome and either prediabetes or diabetes. People with diabetes may be interested in this energy drink for that reason. For individuals watching their sugar intake or calorie consumption, this may seem ideal. The 5-Hour Energy shot drinks are sugar-free and contain only 4 calories. For a person trying to control their blood sugar, these drinks are off-limits. Some energy beverages on the market contain more than 20 grams of sugar. Are 5-Hour Energy shots safe for people with diabetes?

Take five hours