Just because you’re diabetic doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the occasional energy drink. So long as it’s sugar-free, low in calories, and doesn’t exceed the daily recommended caffeine limit, you can indulge in an energizing beverage without compromising your blood sugar levels.
Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge to enjoy energy drinks safely and responsibly, while effectively managing your diabetes.
As always, drink energy drinks with care and keep an eye on your blood glucose when you’re not used to them or drinking them for the first time.
I regularly receive questions about this topic from my blog readers. After a bit of research, I decided to write an article covering all the important aspects of consuming energy drinks as a diabetic.
To be honest, I’m not one to drink energy drinks. I'm sensitive to caffeine, and I don’t particularly enjoy their taste.
So, to write this in depth review, I asked a few of my friends with diabetes to test sugar-free energy drinks. I carefully reviewed the drinks’ ingredients so I can say for certain they’re safe to consume in moderation.
Are Sugar-free Energy Drinks Safe for Diabetics?
In moderation, sugar-free energy drinks are safe for diabetics.
However, it’s important to note that most sugar-free drinks still contain artificial sweeteners, which aren’t always the best option for people with diabetes.
For example, regular energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster Energy contain sugar in the form of high fructose, corn syrup, or sucrose. These sugars are terrible for your body because they cause blood sugar spikes, leading to many health problems related to diabetes.
So, when you’re looking to drink an energy drink, pay attention to the ingredients. Avoid energy drinks with hidden sugars like:
- Corn sweetener
- Corn syrup
- Dextrose
- Glucose
- Sucrose
- Crystalline fructose
- Cane crystals
- Fruit juice concentrates
Which Energy Drink Is Best for Diabetics?
There are many reasons why regular energy drinks may not be right for you, but the main one is the high sugar content. As such, sugar-free energy drinks are a great option for diabetics.
The energy drink that got favored by my friends is one from Red Bull that contains 0% sugar. They also found Monster Energy drink and C4 Smart Energy very enjoyable.
These drinks helped them immensely because they needed an energy boost to get through the day when their energy levels were low.
The downside is that you should only consume them in moderation. 400mg of caffeine per day is the maximum, according to the FDA guideline.
The best thing to happen to energy drinks is Red Bull. With no sugar, Red Bull Sugar-Free is a nutrition all-star.
It has active ingredients like caffeine and taurine that stimulate the central nervous system for an explosive high or low dose of blissful buzz. Plus, it only contains 5 calories per can, which keeps things needlessly complicated.
Red Bull sugar-free has taken wings to new heights with an ultra-low calorie energy drink now hooked uptight and ready for you.
With Zero Ultra, you can enjoy the full-flavor Monster taste minus all the calories and sugar and a refreshing, citrusy flavor.
Get through your work day easily without worrying about feeling sluggish or bloated from consuming sugary drinks. You'll be energized for any task and refreshed after a long work day.
It's not just great for surviving in the office world. It's perfect for any occasion, whether at home watching TV or exploring the outdoors.
Monster Energy Zero Ultra contains zero sugar and only 5 calories per 10.5-ounce can. It has 100 mg of caffeine, which is enough to give you the cognitive boost you need without causing jitteriness.
Armed with whatever you're called to do with the help of C4, the C4 Smart Energy Drink is made for people looking to level up wherever they are and achieve their personal best. It contains 150 mg of Innova tea-derived caffeine, giving you a sustained boost in energy and alertness.
It's also a perfect beverage for coffee lovers, thanks to its rich and invigorating taste profile. And don't let the Sugar-Free thing fool you; according to my friends, it tastes surprisingly good even without the added sweetness.
In place of sugar, this energy drink contains stevia leaf extract, clinically proven safe for people with diabetes. It has antioxidant and antidiabetic properties and is linked to increased insulin sensitivity, which can help manage type 2 diabetes.
In addition, it doesn't have artificial colors or dye.
Bang Miami Cola Energy Drink is one of the better zero carbohydrates, a non-sugary soft drink that delivers safe, great-tasting sustained energy.
It's hard to believe this innovative product has everything you're looking for in an ultimate pre-, during, or post-workout supplement, but it does!
Packed with key ingredients such as essential amino acids (EAAs) for muscle support and repair and a combination of electrolytes and vitamins for post-workout recovery, this beverage is a comprehensive solution to fuel your fitness journey.
A 16 oz can contain 300 mg of caffeine, which is well within the 400 mg limit per day. Just ensure you don't drink more than one can, as excessive caffeine intake may lead to adverse effects such as elevated blood sugar levels and heightened sensitivity to insulin.
This keto-friendly drink has zero sugar and 95 mg of caffeine, so you can push yourself for hours knowing that the Discipline GO keeps your mental fire stoked.
In addition to its caffeine content, this product also includes specific nootropics—substances that support better brain function by increasing alertness or mental function.
One such ingredient is Huperzine A, a natural extract from moss. It blocks receptors in the brainstem involved in mediating nicotine cravings to keep you focused on your goal.
The Rockstar Energy Drink gives you high-octane, sugar-free energy to help keep your game strong. It's perfect for the busy bee on the go and at a better price than other drinks without sugar. It has a decent amount of caffeine, at 160 mg per 16-ounce can.
This energy drink is formulated with guarana and taurine, known for their stimulating properties and benefits for mental alertness and physical performance.
Guarana, a natural source of caffeine, offers a gradual and sustained release of energy, while taurine, an amino acid, enhances cognitive function.
It also contains several B vitamins, including B6 and B12. B2 aids cognitive function, while B12 supports red blood cell formation and energy levels.
Inspired by YouTuber PewDiePie, The G Fuel Lingonberry is one of the better-tasting zero-sugar energy powders on the market. This powder gives you hours of clean focus without crashing and only has 15 calories per serving.
The B vitamins will give you steady, consistent energy to handle better any day life throws at you. The PewDiePie variant has a pomegranate flavor, but if that doesn't suit your taste, the powder also comes in blueberry, raspberry, and peach.
Is Taurine Bad for Diabetics?
Taurine and glucuronolactone (precursor of taurine) are common ingredients of energy drinks.
Taurine plays a role in metabolism, but we’ve yet to understand how it fully works. What we do know is that it stimulates the absorption of fats from food. It’s obtained naturally through the daily diet, averaging around 58 mg, but can vary depending on individual dietary habits.
There are some indications that taurine has a beneficial effect on diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2. This has been shown particularly in studies with rats and never insufficiently large clinical studies [1-2].
In conclusion, there is currently no evidence that regularly drinking light versions of energy drinks containing taurine and caffeine is unfavorable for people with diabetes mellitus.
Do Sugar-free Energy Drinks Spike Blood Sugar Levels?
It depends. Sugar-free energy drinks without artificial sweeteners usually won't raise your blood sugar levels, but they could still impact your blood sugar levels in other ways, like increasing insulin sensitivity or affecting overall glucose metabolism.
To avoid an energy drink-induced blood sugar spike, be sure to read your labels carefully and consume in moderation as you would any other food or beverage containing sugar, caffeine, or artificial sugars.
People with diabetes should know that energy drinks can affect their glucose levels due to the high levels of caffeine and sugar found in many energy drink formulations.
And while some natural sugars present in energy drinks might not raise blood glucose levels, there are still plenty of other sugars out there, leading to spikes if you have diabetes. Alternative sugars to avoid include high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and maltose.
Can a Diabetic Drink Regular Red Bull or Monster Energy?
No, energy drinks with sugar content—like regular Red Bull and Monster Energy—will raise blood sugar levels.
Sugar-free energy drinks without or with artificial sweeteners are safe to consume for diabetics. So if you choose the sugar-free versions of Red Bull or Monster Energy, you’re fine.
Nonetheless, any energy drink without artificial sweeteners is the better choice.
Always test your blood sugar levels once after you consume a sugar-free energy drink to make sure it doesn't negatively affect your blood sugar level.
How Much Caffeine Is Safe for Diabetes?
Consuming caffeine isn’t a problem for people with diabetes as long as it’s consumed in moderation. The FDA created a guideline that an average adult shouldn’t exceed 400 milligrams of caffeine daily.
Since I am very sensitive to caffeine, I always test how much my body can take first.
I start with lower intakes of caffeinated drinks like coffee, Cola Zero, and green tea and gauge my body’s response. If I don’t experience adverse effects, I’ll gradually increase the amount at my discretion.
I recommend you do the same. Test where your limit is and make sure you don't feel any negative side effects from your caffeine consumption.
When consuming energy drinks with caffeine, make sure you check your blood sugar levels with a blood glucose meter every day.
Energy drinks might cause a spike in blood sugar levels if the energy drink contains sugar.
If your energy drink doesn't contain sugar but still makes you feel bad and causes high blood sugar levels or high blood pressure, stop drinking energy drinks altogether.
What Other Drinks Can Diabetics Consume?
Diabetics can drink sugar-free diet drinks, sugar-free sodas, coffee, tea, sugar-free hot cocoa, coconut milk, coconut water, and more. But above all, the best drink is plain water.
You can always add mint, lime, cucumber, or aloe vera pulp to your water during summer to give it more taste.
Making a homemade iced tea is an excellent substitute for your regular drinking water.
Avoid drinking sparkling water, alcoholic beverages, and drinks with high sugar and caffeine content.
If you have a low blood sugar level, you can drink drinks with sugar content or glucose packets to regulate your blood sugar.
How to Make a Homemade Energy Drink for Diabetics
At its core, an energy drink is a beverage specifically designed to provide a boost of energy. It contains ingredients that stimulate alertness and combat fatigue.
While commercial energy drinks often incorporate caffeine, sugar, and other additives, homemade energy drinks can be made with natural ingredients that offer a refreshing and invigorating experience.
Here are some examples of instant energy drinks for diabetic patients:
- Ginger and Cardamom: Cut 2 thin slices of peeled ginger and juice ½ inch of fresh ginger root into a glass of water. Add ¼ tsp turmeric powder and ¼ tsp ground cardamom and stevia for taste.
- Coconut Water and Lemon: Mix fresh coconut water with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Banana and Greens Smoothie: Blend one ripe banana, a handful of fresh greens (such as spinach or kale), a splash of coconut water, and a few ice cubes in a blender. Add water till you reach the desired thickness.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you learn about energy drinks for diabetics.
It’s essential to be aware of what energy drink may work best with your body and lifestyle, as some can have dangerous side effects on a diabetic's health.
Be sure to do your research before making any purchases or consuming energy drinks to know they are safe!
Sources
At Diabetic Me, we are committed to delivering information that is precise, accurate, and pertinent. Our articles are supported by verified data from research papers, prestigious organizations, academic institutions, and medical associations to guarantee the integrity and relevance of the information we provide. You can learn more about our process and team on the about us page.
- Pubmed.gov [1] Franconi F, Loizzo A, Ghirlanda G, Seghieri G. Taurine supplementation and diabetes mellitus. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2006 Jan;9(1):32-6.
Source: Pubmed.gov - Pubmed.gov [2] Franconi F, Di Leo MA, Bennardini F, Ghirlanda G. Is taurine beneficial in reducing risk factors for diabetes mellitus? Neurochem Res. 2004 Jan;29(1):143-50.
Source: Pubmed.gov - FDA How Much Caffeine is Too Much?
Source: FDA - Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323376#:~:text=The%20researchers%20concluded%20that%20stevia,to%20lower%20blood%20sugar%20levels.
Source: Medical News Today
We all react differently. But of course it’s always best to check your levels before, during, and after. Glad to hear that yours stay well balanced and managed.
I’m type 1 diabetic and I drink regular monsters and red bulls all the time. I never have any problems with my blood sugars. I just take a little bit of insulin to cover some of the carbs and I burn the rest off. I only take 4 units of insulin for a redbull, usually when I check my blood sugars I run between 80 and 110. No harm no faul
I’m type 1 diabetic and I drink regular monsters drinks and redbulls. Not all the time but I definitely drink them every week almost. I never have any problems with my sugar. I just take a little bit of insulin and then I’m fine. Diabetic or not, sugar drinks spike blood sugars. While that may not be good for you, I think as long as your blood sugars come back down within an hour and half you’ll be fine. Mine usually run between 80 and 120
Medical research has been shown to have detrimental side-effects including sudden cardiac death in some individuals and should be used with caution. I do like them and will pick one and consume them only occasionally.
Lately, however, I have consumed a few of the C4 brand of zero sugar energy drinks. I am a Type-1 diabetic and currently use a Dexcom CGM. When my blood sugar spiked after drinking a can, I brushed it off thinking it must have been something else.
I was curious, however, and consumed 2 more cans on separate occasions to either rule it out or confirm there was a link. In each case, my blood glucose rose to over 200mg/dl each time. Either they are labeled as containing zero sugar and they instead contain a significant amount of sugar, the caffeine content may be partially blocking the insulin receptors or there is some other reason that I am not aware of.
Your article is deceiving, you say they are safe when some (maybe all) of them can raise blood sugar values significantly. This is much harder to detect if you are not using a continuous glucose monitor or test often enough.
Of course you are making money by having advertising links on this webpage for these products, think it might be a liability you would rather not be exposed to.
Good read. I recently was dx’d with type 2 diabetes. Not happy about myself but a wake up call to change my life style and eating habits. I don’t drink energy drinks but always have questions pop in my head to learn more about this new thing in my life I have to deal with. The energy drink was my recent thought. Thanks for the article and keep us informed.
You are very welcome. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.