People who routinely consume energy drinks, will present the effects of caffeine. However, it is important to consider the cost-benefit of this activity. Energy drinks have many other ingredients that might not be good for health when consumed regularly. Furthermore, the effects of these drinks on heart and kidney health may be undesirable in people with metabolic syndrome and risk for T2D. To prevent diabetes, a varied and balanced diet (which could include caffeine) and a healthy lifestyle is recommended.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25031128

Dear Maria your answer is appreciated.

Being healthcare provider one would consider mainly the adverse effects seriously.

It was demonstrated in several rather serious studies that coffee drinking (but not energy drinks containing caffeine) may lead to DM risk decrease. Obviously, it is not only caffeine which counts.

The amount of caffeine used in these energy drinks is high which can prolong Qtc interval and can lead to serious arrythmia rather then any benefit

 Red Bull and other drinks containing stimulants such as caffeine and oxilofrine are undesirable  for persons  at risk  for  type 2 diabetes. Stimulants accelerate the  endocrine and exocrine systems and de- program   the  already stressed adrenal glands therefore promoting hyperinsulinemia and rapid metabolism that cannot be sustained normally.  Caffeine in the final analysis does not reduce the risk of developing diabetes but  rather increases it.

I agree with Rachel: increasing the adrenal stress unbalance the metabolism.

Energy drinks contain caffeine and additional stimulants in high concentrations, so that the intake of these beverages in higher doses in patients at risk or in people with metabolic disorders and various health risk factors needs to be considered very carefully. The potential effects of these beverages, which are mostly desired by consumers, may be dangerous side effects for patients with an increased risk of diabetes or an increased cardiovascular risk, which often go hand in hand. Thus, in persons at health risk especially with cardiac disease - who we consider when we speak of prevention - special caution regarding the use of such energy drinks is warranted.

Another aspect relates to the consumers of energy drinks. It is not uncommon that people, who consume energy drinks, drink 4 to 6 doses per day. Others drink these beverages to reduce their coffee consumption. Here we have a high risk group with a very high stress level and an extremely high risk of developing heart disease in 10 or 15 years. As another risk group, many young people with conspicuously consume of alcohol (binge drinking) also drink next to alcohol energy drinks, which inherently constitutes a dangerous combination, but can also provide the attending emergency physician with considerable problems.

At least we must remember who we reach with prevention. Mostly, appeals for a healthy lifestyle achieve those who already have a healthy lifestyle. But those who we want to achieve do not pay attention to good advices. Hence, there is also the risk that relevant and proper recommendations do not reach the actual target group, but are collected and used by others as an excuse. Like many people with alcohol drinking problems argue, that they "indeed do only a good thing when consuming alcohol - as you can read everywhere and what has been scientifically proven”. There is a potential risk, that people with a problematic or even dangerous consumption of energy drinks will interpret such recommendations ("Caffeine may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes") positive for them, what will prevent them from developing a realistic and appropriate awareness of their problematic consume.

Therefore, such an unusual or exotic thesis as “May energy drinks lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes?” although theoretically very interesting may not be really relevant in practice. It is good and important to deal with such a question on a scientific level, but in practice we should try to implement evidence-based recommendations into practice. That means for the prevention of diabetes, to help people to implement a healthy lifestyle, which include a healthy diet, regular exercise, not being overweight, no smoking and moderate alcohol consumption - and why not - moderate caffeine consumption.

Dear Dr. Michael, I appreciate your comprehensive answer and I agree that it is not evidence based-  "energy drinks lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes?”

Dear Godfred, with my last argument, I didn't mean to offend you or your question. I find your question is really very interesting. As in many social networks or forums, we must always be aware of the fact, that there are users who tend to popular science. As I wrote, your question is theoretically very interesting but should be limited to an academic discussion.

Dear Dr. Michhael, I do agree with you and I had voted your answer. 

No worries.

Cheers :)

We ask questions to look for opinions from the academic point of view as well as practicality. :)

Dear Dr. Ali, I did upvote your answer. You always do backup your answer with a reference. No idea who could vote down your answer, as we cannot find out. 

But Dr. Ali keep up your good work of contribution. 

Warm regards, 

Godfred

No, because other components, such as taurin, may have contrary effects

Only if they are sugar free

I do not believe that these "energy drinks" could do any good, but I am convinced that they should be abandoned.

Please see the attached file as an additional information

Article Evaluation of the relationship between habitual consumption ...

I completely agree with conclusions. In addition to this, chr. coffe consumption was fount to inhibit cognitive dysfunction in the elderly,  inhibit certain types of arrhythmias as well.

C.Farsang 

Energy drinks such as red bull  and bison contain caffeine which is a stimulant. Over stimulation of the metabolic system results in insulin insensitivity and down regulation of glucose metabolism. In older persons with lower glucose tolerance relating to age deterioration, ingestion of these drinks causes metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Coffee and "energy drinks"  are very much different:  energy drinks contain large amount of caffeine, but other unhealthy substances as well, as taurin, therefore they may have unwanted effect on cognitive dysfuntion on a long-term use...

@ Dr. Godfred A. Menezes

Please take a look at the following references.

Article Coffee consumption and reduced risk of developing type 2 dia...

Article Does long-term coffee intake reduce type 2 diabetes mellitus risk?

Article Coffee and tea consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes

Article Coffee, tea, and incident type 2 diabetes: The Singapore Chi...

Thanks!