What Is The Effect Of Monster Energy Drinks On Your Blood Sugar?

Growing increasingly popular, energy drinks generally refer to a type of drink containing caffeine and a combination of other ingredients, including taurine, ginseng, B-vitamins and guarana. Monster and other energy drink brands may cause your blood glucose levels to rise suddenly due to the sugar and caffeine content.

Nutrient Content

Monster energy drinks contain a high amount of carbohydrates, sugar and caffeine per serving. One can of Monster Energy Assault or Monster Energy XXL contains two servings, netting you 16 fluid oz. of beverage, 54 g of sugar, 160 mg of caffeine and 200 calories. The low carbohydrate version is 24 fluid oz, 9 g of sugar, 240 mg of caffeine and 30 calories. In addition to caffeine and sugar, some Monster beverages also list "energy blend," which includes additional glucose and caffeine.

Sugar

Simple sugars are carried into the bloodstream, quickly raising blood glucose levels. Where complex-carbohydrates break down slowly and fuel your brain over a period of time, simple sugars flood the blood with glucose and in essence starve your brain. This is what gives you the feeling of a "sugar high" followed by a "sugar low." The amount of sugar in Monster energy drinks far exceeds the daily suggested sugar intake. The total recommended daily intake is 6 tsp, or 24 g, for women and 9 tsp, or 36 g, for men.

Caffeine

Sugar is not the only ingredient in Monster energy drinks that will increase your blood glucose levels. Researchers have found caffeine increases blood sugar levels as well. In 2008, Reuters reported the results of a study of individuals with Type 2 diabetes who were noted to have increased blood glucose levels after caffeine. For young, relatively healthy people without diabetes, caffeine will have only a moderate impact. The Mayo Clinic indicates that caffeine impairs insulin response but doesn't impact blood glucose directly. However, this still indirectly leads to raised blood sugar levels.

Other Side Effects

Besides raising blood glucose levels, energy drinks bring a host of other side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic. Too much caffeine may lead to increased feelings of nervousness, mood swings and irritability, sleep disturbances, rapid heart rate and high blood pressure. Consuming energy drinks and alcohol can be a dangerous combination, potentially leaving you feeling alert while still intoxicated.