The Effect of Chronic Caffeinated Energy Drink Consumption on Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Glucose Regulation
A Case-Control Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24086/cuesj.v10n1y2026.pp69-73Keywords:
Caffeinated energy drinks, insulin resistance, glucose regulation, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, hemoglobin A1CAbstract
Caffeinated energy drinks are rich in sugar and caffeine, which can disrupt the normal glycemic metabolism, elevate insulin resistance, and increase the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders, among habitual consumers. The current case–control study examined the effect of long-term caffeinated energy drink consumption on glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. It involved 110 participants (60 cases and 50 controls) recruited from young college students; chronic energy drink consumers were considered cases. After informed consent, whole blood and serum samples were analyzed for hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), fasting glucose, insulin, and later homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. There were no significant differences in sex, age, fasting blood sugar (FBS), or HbA1c between groups (P > 0.005). However, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR levels were significantly higher in cases, indicating greater insulin resistance (P < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between HOMA-IR and fasting insulin, FBS, and HbA1c. These associations show that insulin resistance is linked to elevated glucose parameters (P < 0.001). This study concludes that chronic energy drink consumption is associated with increased insulin resistance. Future studies should explore long-term effects on pancreatic function, glucose tolerance, and diabetic risk in larger, diverse populations, with particular emphasis on longitudinal assessments to delineate the trajectory from insulin resistance to beta-cell dysfunction and the potential for synergistic effects with other dietary and lifestyle factors.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Bakhtawar Z. Omer, Zahraakhan M. Taher, Sarah H. Qasim, Aisha A. Hussain, Ghadeer A. Abduljabar, Fatima M. Khawam
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