In a new study by Canadian researchers, it was revealed that sugar free, energy drink shots can lead to a spike in glucose and insulin levels amongst teens. Consumption of these drinks raised concerns about insulin resistance dangers and type 2 diabetes risks.

Twenty teens, 10 females and 10 males, participated in this study led by Heidi Virtanen, MD candidate at the University of Calgary. The study findings were presented at the World Diabetes Congress in Vancouver earlier this month.

Energy Drink Study Findings

The teenagers, ages 13-19, were given either regular 5-Hour Energy or 5-Hour Energy Decaf. Forty minutes later, they took an oral glucose tolerance test. This glucose test measures how sugar is processed by the body.

The teens who consumed caffeinated 5-Hour energy had a 24.6 spike in blood glucose levels and a 26.4 rise in insulin compared with the decaf version. Both drinks were sugar free so the findings were not caused from drinking large amounts of sugar. Both drinks contain a blend of malic acid and amino acids. Caffeinated 5-Hour Energy has as much caffeine in 12 ounces of coffee.

This study is the first to look at caffeine’s impact on glucose levels in energy shots and raises concerns about how these energy drinks may impact the risk of diabetes among young adults. Teens are the main consumers of energy drink shots, so this study could prove helpful in assessing health risks.

Insulin resistance is the precursor of type 2 diabetes and no one knows why caffeine impacts how the body metabolizes sugar. It is thought that caffeine may directly interfere with how insulin manages sugar levels or indirectly, such as tampering with the release of hormones like adrenaline that counter insulin.

If you have been injured by a dangerous energy drink, contact the law offices of Goldberg Finnegan today. Our firm is well-versed in energy drink litigation and firmly believe energy drink manufacturers need to be held accountable for producing this dangerous product.